lectionary.com

Trinity/After Pentecost · The Fourth Sunday after Trinity

Genesis 50:15-21

Joseph Forgives His Brothers

Joseph Recognised by his Brothers, Giovanni Battista Gaulli (Baciccio)
Joseph Recognised by his Brothers, Giovanni Battista Gaulli (Baciccio), c. 1670Musée Fesch, Ajaccio
The brothers thrown back on each other in the moment he says who he is, one still on his knees, one reaching, and Joseph holding the youngest against him.Do not be afraid! Am I in the place of God? Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good.Giovanni Battista Gaulli (Baciccio)Baciccio, who painted the recognition as a shock running through a crowd rather than a reunion.Musée Fesch, AjaccioThe Musée Fesch in Ajaccio.Musée Fesch, Ajaccio

Overview & Insights

"You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good." (Genesis 50:20)

After their father's death, Joseph's brothers fear that he will finally take revenge for selling him into slavery. Joseph weeps, reassures them, and says that what they meant for evil God meant for good, promising to provide for them and their children.

From Sermons.com: Join Today to access the most scholarly & well written preaching resources anywhere.

Take it further: Genesis 50:15-21

Commentary

Background & Word Study

The Church Fathers

Prep at sermons.com

Ready to write?

  • Full sermons on Luke 6:36-42
  • Illustrations cleared for use in worship
  • Commentary, quotes, and Bible dictionary
Open it at sermons.com →

Trusted by pastors since 1995.

Free every Tuesday

Illustrations & Sermon Prep in your inbox

The coming Sunday’s readings, a cleared-for-use illustration, and a sermon-prep head start. One email, free.