Today’s passage is in the middle of the second part of Exodus (chapters 20–40) that describes the covenant between God and the Israelites. Christian and Jewish traditions credit Moses with writing the story of the exodus. The actual author is unknown.

This passage begins with the Israelites’ observation that Moses’ return from the mountaintop is delayed. Exodus 24:18 states that Moses was gone for 40 days and nights, but it is unclear when the people expected his return.

In Moses’ absence, the people are restless and unsure about what is happening. They turn their attention to Aaron and ask him to “make gods for us” (Exodus 32:1). Aaron directs everyone to collect all the gold in the group which he uses to build a golden calf (vv. 3–4). The people credit the golden calf with their release from bondage. When Aaron hears their claims, he builds an altar. Aaron might be trying to redirect the Israelites’ focus to the Lord (vv. 5–6).

In defense of the Israelites’ actions, some Bible commentaries argue the cow, or at least the altar, was to serve as a “seat” for God or a representation of God. Other commentaries argue the Israelites lacked faithfulness because they viewed the cow as a replacement for Moses and perhaps even God as the center of their devotion. Whatever the case, clearly God is not pleased (see v. 7) with what the Israelites have done and commands Moses to deal with the people. God also specifically names the people as Moses’ people not claiming them as God’s people.

For the rest of this passage (vv. 7–14), God and Moses engage in an emotion-filled conversation. God is angry and frustrated with the people. God calls their actions perverse and refers to “how stiff-necked they are” (v. 9). God’s final argument has eerie parallels to the story of the flood (Genesis 6–9) where God wipes out the wicked people and starts a new nation with Noah. Moses pleads for God’s mercy for the Israelites. He begs God to remember the promises already made by God to Abraham, Isaac, and Irael. In the end, Moses prevails, and God does not destroy the Israelites.

Several important principles can be drawn from this story. First, life as a disciple does not mean that everything is going to be easy. Set free from bondage to follow God’s call, we must commit to the journey and remain faithful even during difficult times. Sometimes this means exercising much patience when circumstances do not unfold as we expect or when leaders are not available when we want their attention.

Second, fear and paranoia often cause communities to act in unfaithful ways. When times are tough, we must work to individually and collectively stay centered on God’s vision for the world. We must avoid building “golden calves.” Also, we are to support prayerfully those called and set apart to lead. When we vote to support priesthood members and other leaders, it means prayerfully trusting them to be faithful leaders who will do their best to fulfill their callings.

Third, when it is a person’s turn to lead, she or he needs to take seriously the responsibility to help keep people focused on Christ’s mission in the world. To do this, leaders must stay in constant conversation with God, praying for guidance and mercy.

Faith Unfiltered Podcast

Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.

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Central Ideas

1. It is easy to forget whose you are when times are tough.
2. It is easy to turn to alternative “gods,” such as the golden calf.
3. It is easy to lose sight of the destination when a journey gets difficult.
4. It is easy for leaders and people to lose their way if they do not remain centered on Christ’s mission.

Questions to Consider

1. What is happening in your congregation right now that creates doubt and fear in people?
2. What attitudes and behaviors do you see as people give in to their doubts and fears?
3. What are potential “golden calves” being “worshiped” by you or your congregation?
4. What words of encouragement and hope can you share to remind people they are God’s children and part of living Christ’s mission on Earth in the best and worst of times?

The Ten Commandments represent the conditions of the covenant. Often referred to as the Decalogue, they represent unconditional duties to God and the community. Few texts have played as large a role in the church or public as the Ten Commandments. They are a part of the confessions of the church and have long represented a cultural code that is foundational to guiding the human community.

However, the Ten Commandments cannot play a significant role in the lives of the faithful unless they are taken to heart. Therefore, memorizing the commandments, the Lord’s Prayer, and the 23rd Psalm has historically had a special place in Christian piety.

The beginning of the Ten Commandments is foundational: “you shall have no other gods before me” (v. 3). The prologue offers the identity of the One who obligates the community: it is YHWH who commands. The first commandment is an acknowledgment there are always competing claims of supreme nature, “other gods,” that seek to be the center of meaning and value in people’s lives. Such “gods” are to be rejected.

The second commandment declares, “You shall not make for yourself an idol” (v. 4). The effort to control God, to try to seduce God to do our bidding is rejected. It is God who controls when, where, and how to be accessible.

Likely no commandment has the potential of being mistreated with callous casualness as the third commandment that has to do with the misuse of the name of God (v. 7). If the first commandment has to do with having no other gods, and the second with not replacing the Lord with images, the third commandment reinforces them. It is a warning against endangering the potential relationship with God through misappropriation and misuse.

“Remember the Sabbath day, and keep it holy” (v. 8). The Sabbath commandment is placed at the end of the first section, or “first tablet” of the Decalogue—the commandments that focus on the proper worship and love of God. It acts as a bridge between commandments having to do with the love of God and the love of neighbor. The Sabbath is a gift!

“Honor your father and your mother” (v. 12). Honoring one’s parents directs life toward the other who is not God and is related to the Sabbath commandment.

“You shall not murder” (v. 13). There is nothing so basic as the prohibition of taking another life. A priority is given to preserving life, avoiding harm to one’s neighbor.

“You shall not commit adultery” (v. 14). Like murder, adultery is a violation of intersocial behavior. The focus of this commandment on protecting the social order is complementary to honoring one’s mother and father and prohibiting murder. Protecting life is to be seen from the perspective of the rights of one’s neighbor, including the sanctity of marriage.

“You shall not steal” (v. 15). Stealing is condemned. It is in a sense an expression of false witness, of coveting. In taking from another, one violates the neighbor and compromises the self

“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (v. 16). Concern for one’s neighbor is made clear in words and in speaking. More than just lying, it is about the capacity of words to injure or endanger another. One must speak truthfully

“You shall not covet…” (v. 17). Coveting has to do with want and its effects. Want distorts, affecting both self and neighbor.

Faith Unfiltered Podcast

Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.

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Central Ideas

1. The Ten Commandments have had a central place in the church’s confession and teaching from the earliest days of the tradition.
2. The Ten Commandments have influenced the way society is organized and preserved and are at the heart of Christian witness.
3. Faithful embodiment of the Ten Commandments in our lives and community fulfills God’s hope for human life.

Questions to Consider

1. How do the Ten Commandments represent the conditions of the covenant? How is this displayed in the life of the community and the church?
2. How does remembering the Sabbath day (v. 8) act as a bridge between the love of God and the love of one’s neighbor?
3. Coveting (v. 17) distorts and affects the self and the neighbor; it dismembers the community and violates the purposes of God. How might you give witness to this?
4. Which of the other commandments do you think are often disregarded in your culture? In today’s world?

Each of the Lenten scripture readings challenges hearers to inspect their lives to identify changes they can make. Today’s scripture passage is about grumbling and negativity, traits that plague every generation.

Two months after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea and began their long journey, they camped in the wilderness of Sin between Elim and Mount Sinai. Their food supplies were gone. They were hungry, and they began to complain. In response, God sent quails and manna for them to eat. They moved on from the wilderness of Sin to Rephidim and suffered thirst. They began grumbling, and Moses was irritated. He asked them why they were testing the Lord by doubting God’s presence among them and God’s ability to care for them. They repeated their complaints. “Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?” (Exodus 17:3). It was their usual accusation when life was difficult in the desert.

Moses usually prayed patiently for the people. This time, Moses complained to God about the accusations of his people. Then he followed God’s instructions. He went before the people with his staff to Mount Horeb. When he struck a rock there, water came forth. The scripture passage says God stood on the rock (v. 6). It is a way of saying that God was present with them.

The writer of Exodus is careful to point out the event took place in the presence of the elders of Israel as witnesses. The area has springs of water below the limestone rocks. The passage ends with an explanation of the names for some of those springs. One is called Massah, which means “test.” The other is called Meribah, or “quarrel,” to commemorate the way in which the Israelites quarreled with Moses. It’s interesting that neither name gives honor nor praise to God for the miracle. Both point to the negative behavior of the people.

The story of manna and this story about the gift of water provide a pattern that is often repeated as the Israelites journey through the wilderness toward the land of Canaan. They grumble and complain. They turn their frustration on Moses. Moses goes to God for help, and God patiently provides what the people need. The difference between grumbling and lack of faith by the people and the faithfulness and compassion of God becomes clearer with each repetition. Divinity and humanity stand starkly silhouetted against the backdrop of the wilderness.

The writer of Exodus presents the generation of Israelites in the wilderness in the worst possible light. People who are starving or dying of thirst would naturally cry out to God. Those whose future is uncertain would naturally despair and second-guess decisions they have made. Where is the line between negativity and legitimate concerns?

In today’s world, grumbling and complaints are everywhere. People of faith, unfortunately, often have as many complaints as those who do not know God. And yet, God continues to bear patiently with humankind. Such is the grace of God.

Faith Unfiltered Podcast

Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.

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Central Ideas

1. The Israelites endured great hardship in their wilderness journey toward Canaan. God answered their complaints by providing consistently for their needs.
2. Difficulties in life often prompt people to blame others—frequently their leaders—for problems and tragedies, regardless of who might have been responsible.
3. God’s grace continues to bless us despite the difficulties of life and the human tendency to complain and grumble.

Questions to Consider

1. What complaints do you hear most often? What do you complain about? What is an alternative to complaining?
2. Consider the history of your congregation. What events reflect a wilderness journey? What events reveal God’s unconditional blessings?
3. How does this Lenten story challenge people to change their negative attitudes and self-centered complaints? What does it say about desperate circumstances that prompt genuine lamentations and petitions to God?

Exploring the Scripture

God brought the Israelites out of Egypt after 430 years of slavery. God led them by the roundabout way of the wilderness and went before them always guiding them. Throughout the whole experience the people complained, but God’s presence never left them.

God hardened Pharaoh’s heart and he pursued the escaping Israelites. When the Israelites came to the shore of the Red Sea, the Egyptian soldiers were advancing on them. They cried out to the Lord in fear. But they murmured before Moses, and he told them, “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to keep still” (Exodus 14:14). God did it—God divided the sea, the Israelites went across on dry ground, and the Egyptians drowned. Afterward, the Israelites held the Lord in awe and they believed in the Lord.

Then they came to Marah where the water was bitter, and again the people complained (Exodus 15:23–25). But God told Moses what he had to do, he obeyed, and the water became drinkable, and everyone could drink. Then the people were hungry, and again they complained against Moses; remembering when in Egypt they were not hungry (Exodus 16).

To reach the Promised Land the Israelites first had to cross the desert. They saw the hand of God in their favor, but they continued to complain. They quickly forgot God’s faithfulness.

They complained against Moses and Aaron, who were the leaders. However, Moses made it clear their complaint was against God (v. 8).

Perhaps they did not want to die in Egypt and did not want to die in the desert either. They just wanted food to satisfy their hunger. Anyone of us who misses a meal and goes hungry can understand their plight. God responded to the food complaint in much the same way as previous complaints. This time God promised Moses, “I am going to rain bread from heaven” to feed them (v. 4). God sent manna and quails. However, Israel still did not obey what God commanded.

In the New Testament, Jesus teaches his disciples to pray (Matthew 6:11). The inspiration for that prayer may have come from this daily bread provided for the Israelites in the desert. In John 6:31–33, after feeding 5,000 people, Jesus reminded the crowd that their ancestors had eaten manna in the desert. It was written, “He gave them bread from heaven to eat.” He told them it was not Moses who gave the people bread from heaven, but “my Father” (v. 32). When the crowd asked Jesus to give them that bread always (John 6:34), Jesus answered, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35). Do you see the analogy between the manna of the desert, the bread of heaven and Jesus Christ as the bread of life? The manna was white, perhaps reflecting purity and holiness, and sweet as honey. Jesus Christ is God’s gift, given to us freely, which reflects God’s grace and generosity

Faith Unfiltered Podcast

Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.

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Central Ideas

1. The bread God provided was not processed or a product of a bakery in the desert; it came straight from God to the people.
2. God is always the same. God continues to let people go free from slavery. God was the redeemer of Israel and sent Jesus with the mission to release the captives and oppressed (Luke 4:18–20).
3. The Israelites blamed Moses and Aaron. Complaints and murmurings by God’s people continue today as in the past. Sometimes we complain and blame our leaders for everything that happens in the country, community, or church.

Questions to Consider

1. How have you seen God providing bread, victories, and protection in your life?
2. When have you felt persecuted and faced “the sea” like Israel? When have you thought your end was imminent? How have you seen the hand of God acting in your favor?
3. Israel was not obedient to God’s commands. How important is it in our lives to obey God’s direction?
4. Seeing God’s generosity providing bread to God’s people, how do you and your congregation live out our Enduring Principle of Grace and Generosity?

Today’s passage in Matthew explains another teaching of Jesus on community relationships. In earlier verses (vv. 15–20) a specific process is outlined for use when one member of the community sins against another. Starting at verse 21, Peter then asks how many times he must forgive a member of the church who sins against him. One rabbinic tradition says three times. Peter was generously offering seven times. Jesus’ answer, involving the holy number seven, implies that forgiveness is beyond counting. There is no scorekeeping. Forgiveness is unlimited.

The parable of the unforgiving servant that follows (vv. 23–35) is full of hyperbole (exaggerations). It is meant to shock the listener. For example, the 10,000 talents owed by the slave represents an impossible amount; a single talent represented many years of wages for a slave. There was no possible way the servant would ever be able to repay the debt. His promise to do so is absurd. The king’s willingness to listen to the slave’s plea and then forgive the entire debt is unbelievable. Who would show such mercy?

Then the story progresses and the forgiven slave confronts another slave who owes him money (a much more reasonable amount, 100 denarii, with one denarius equivalent to one day’s wage). The servant demands payment from his fellow slave who also begs for mercy and extra time to repay the debt. The unforgiving servant refuses and has the slave thrown in prison. When the king is told of this action, he denounces the first slave and sends him to be tortured until the debt is paid. The king says, “Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?” (v. 33).

By sharing this parable, Jesus explains the importance of mercy and forgiveness. We are constantly experiencing God’s mercy and can never repay the debt. Nor is God asking for repayment. It’s about grace. As the body of Christ, we are called to be merciful with one another. Our ability to forgive one another is to be patterned after divine forgiveness.

This forgiveness is different from seeking justice. We might imagine that God’s forgiveness has underpinnings in justice; but in this parable, it is grounded in God’s mercy. Forgiveness is a release, not a denial of the offense. It does not necessarily mean to forget.

What is the cost of an unmerciful, unforgiving heart? One former prisoner of war asked another, “Have you forgiven your captors yet?” The second man responded, “I will never do that!” The first man replied, “Then they still have you in prison, don’t they?”

Faith Unfiltered Podcast

Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.

LISTEN

Central Ideas

1. If you are keeping score, you are not forgiving.
2. God’s forgiveness is limitless.
3. Following the divine pattern, the body of Christ is to be merciful with one another as sacred community, doing the hard work of forgiveness.
4. God’s people are merciful.

Questions to Consider

1. With whom do you identify in the parable? Why?
2. We know we should forgive. What makes this so difficult?
3. Is God’s forgiveness conditional?
4. What has been your experience with mercy and forgiveness?
5. How can those who receive God’s mercy pay it forward to their debtors?
6. How might the Lord’s Prayer be illustrative of today’s passage?
7. What is genuine (true) forgiveness?

Paul’s teachings in Romans 13-14 urges believers to live the gospel’s principles in practical, everyday life. Today’s passage focuses on two ideas: 1) the foundational commandment to love one another, which sums up the entire body of Jewish law; and 2) the urgency of a Christ-centered lifestyle as Christians wait for the Second Coming.

Paul advises the Romans to avoid debt. The only debt they should incur is indebtedness that results from loving one another. In ancient times, a standard definition of love was this: love is wishing only good for others, above all else. To want goodness for another carries a duty to work to make the wish for goodness active. Thus, it is impossible to love without being under the obligation (the debt) of love.

For centuries, rabbis and prophets debated which commandment was the greatest. Various answers were proposed, quoting scriptures such as Micah 6:8, Amos 5:24, and Leviticus 19:2. Matthew, Mark, and Luke recorded Jesus’ answer, based on Deuteronomy 6:5: to love God completely is the primary commandment. The second most important is to love your neighbor as yourself (Leviticus 19:18). However, before any of the Gospels were written, Paul identified love as the law’s fulfillment, which testifies to the early knowledge of Jesus’ teaching about love.

Paul’s list of directives in Romans 13-14 stands as a Christian summary of the ethics that bind them. Paul is direct. Living love underlies and supersedes all the rest, both for Jewish and Christian law. “Love does no wrong; therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law” (v. 10). Although Paul continues to offer advice and urge ethical behavior, all else functions as examples of doing no wrong while standing under the debt of love.

“You know what time it is…” (v. 11). Early Christians believed Christ would return soon, possibly within their lifetime. Paul encourages them to be prepared and alert (v. 12). Righteous living includes giving up vices such as drunkenness, debauchery, immorality, quarreling, and jealousy. These vices he mentions as “works of darkness” (v. 12), done in secret, are held tightly within men’s and women’s hidden activity to decay and damage relationships. But “the night is far gone, the day is near.” Christians are creatures of the light: open, transparent, glowing with love and goodwill, awake and ready for Christ’s return.

“The armor of light” (v. 12) and “putting on the Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 14) are synonymous. Both refer to adopting Christian values and a lifestyle that shines clearly for all to see, and that provides a barrier against the impulse of “the flesh, to gratify its desires” (v. 14). Here, the “flesh” refers not only to physical appetites but all the temptations of superficial, worldly existence, some of which he used as examples in verse 13. Like soldiers preparing for battle, the faithful “put on” Jesus Christ to ward off temptations and strengthen resolve. Paul’s intent, however, goes far beyond donning a mask or costume. “Putting on the Lord Jesus Christ” is a discipline of the heart that transforms and strengthens the believing community to fulfill the law of love in daily life.

Faith Unfiltered Podcast

Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.

LISTEN

Central Ideas

1. To want good in another’s life (to love) carries with it a duty to work for that good.
2. Love underlies and supersedes all Jewish and Christian law because love does no wrong.
3. Christians are creatures of the light: open, transparent, glowing with love, awake, and ready for Christ’s return.
4. Adopting a Christ-centered lifestyle provides a barrier against the lure of superficial, selfcentered values.

Questions to Consider

1. What debts do you owe to those you love most deeply? How do you perform those duties?
2. Do you agree with the idea that “love does no wrong”? Can you think of an exception? What is Paul saying?
3. How does your congregation show it is a community of light rather than darkness?
4. How do you deal with the paradox of being open and vulnerable as a form of protection against the world’s brokenness?

These 15 verses of Exodus confirm a basic understanding of the interrelation between the Israelites and God. God has compassion for their suffering. God journeys with them and calls leaders to release them from bondage and oppression. God promises to stay with them in their suffering and victories. The God of the Israelites is the awesome and indescribable divine-existence of past, present, and future. God self-identifies as “I AM WHO I AM” as represented by the tetragrammaton, YHWH. Many English translations use “the Lord” in place of YHWH. Although Moses is the protagonist of the Book of Exodus, these 15 verses focus on YHWH’s nature and interrelation with God’s people.

Moses fits a familiar model of significant figures in the Hebrew Bible. His early life is one of struggle and an unlikely prelude to his becoming a person of significance. After being introduced in Exodus 2, we find Moses living the life of a lowly shepherd tending his father-inlaw’s flock at Mount Horeb in Exodus 3. He describes himself as “an alien residing in a foreign land” (Exodus 2:22) because he was in self-exile for killing an Egyptian guard. Before the murder, Moses was the adopted son of an Egyptian princess. He lived in two disparate worlds as a prince and as a son of slaves. He was born a Hebrew slave and was saved from execution by the wily actions of his mother and sister. His significance is not fully recognized from self-initiation but as a call of God.

Exodus 3:1 describes Mount Horeb as the “mountain of God.” The name implies a desert. On this mountain desert, also the location where he later receives the Law, Moses encounters YHWH. The angel of the Lord appears in a burning bush that is not consumed. Only when Moses chooses to “turn aside and look at this great sight” (v. 3) does he hear God’s call and recognize he is on holy ground. YHWH expresses compassion for the Israelites and calls Moses into action. Moses twice responds with serious doubts about filling this calling (in later verses he tries to decline three more times). YHWH answers Moses’ hesitations by assuring steadfast divine faithfulness. Moses becomes a heroic figure for the Israelites as he reluctantly accepts his call from YHWH.

Exodus 3 has important parallels for present-day people of the Living God. Our lives may appear ordinary, with minimal significance in the world. However, when we are willing to turn our attention to the Divine Presence, we, too, have important work to fulfill to benefit the world. In our hesitation, God assures us we do not journey alone because of God’s awesome, indescribable, steadfast faithfulness.

Faith Unfiltered Podcast

Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.

LISTEN

Central Ideas

1. Paying attention to burning bushes causes us to recognize we are on holy ground.
2. God’s hope is for compassion and freedom from oppression.
3. God’s steadfast presence empowers Moses to serve despite his reluctance.

Questions to Consider

1. When has God’s presence powerfully caught your attention?
2. When have you tried to confine God?
3. How does God continue to assure you that you are not serving alone?

The Israelites, while living in Egypt, thrived. But today’s scripture passage begins with an announcement that a new king is taking the throne in Egypt. Pharaoh is threatened by the large Hebrew population and takes brutal steps:

• Enslaves the Israelites to work on construction projects
• Decrees that every Hebrew male child be killed

As a counterpoint to this horrific background, two heroic midwives refuse to kill the newborns. Their excuse is that Hebrew women are so healthy (unlike Egyptian women) that they give birth before the midwives arrive. When Pharaoh becomes aware of this, he commands that all the male Hebrew babies be thrown into the Nile.

A Hebrew woman named Jochebad hides her baby boy for as long as possible (estimated at three months). Then she makes a waterproof basket and floats the baby down the Nile near Pharaoh’s daughter under the watchful eye of the baby’s older sister Miriam. When the princess rescues the child (probably knowing he was Hebrew), Miriam suggests an available Hebrew nurse. Pharaoh’s daughter hires the baby’s mother to nurse the child. The princess names the baby Moses, which can be interpreted as “one who draws out.”

Because of the kindness and compassion of the royal princess, Moses grows up in the Egyptian court, at the same time nursed by his birth mother. Today’s text is a story filled with fearless and compassionate women, from the midwives to Moses’ mother and sister, to Pharaoh’s daughter. Pharaoh is thwarted at every turn, ironically by those with little power. The stage is now set for the larger Exodus story—the Israelites will defy oppression and be led away from captivity by one of their own.

As Moses grows, we sense God’s faithfulness in preparing to answer the cries for justice voiced by those who are oppressed. God is working through events and people to free the Israelites in opposition to a powerful earthly king.

In our modern environment, there has been much oppression, from the local schoolyard bully to racial and gender discrimination. We trust in God’s faithfulness—not power-hungry humans—to propel creation toward freedom and hope.

Faith Unfiltered Podcast

Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.

LISTEN

Central Ideas

1. God is faithful to God’s covenant people.
2. Those with power oppress others based on the fear that their power is in some way threatened.
3. Pharaoh’s power is reduced by the civil disobedience of brave and compassionate women.
4. God works through events and people to bring about justice.

Questions to Consider

1. In our impatience, we may question the years it took to set the stage for Israel’s flight from captivity. What is your understanding of God’s faithfulness in this story?
2. Do you know a woman or women who show courage and compassion like those in the story?
3. What ironies do you see in this story? For example, Pharaoh commands that Hebrew boy babies be thrown into the Nile—the river that Moses’ mother uses to float him toward the Pharaoh’s daughter.
4. What behavior do you see in today’s world that parallels Pharaoh’s behavior?
5. What can we do to stop bullying, oppression, and persecution?
6. How might God be working through events and people to bring about justice today?

Today’s text is the climax of the story of Joseph who was sold into slavery by his brothers. Remind the congregation of the background of today’s text. Hatred led Joseph’s brothers to kidnap him and sell him as a slave. He was taken to Egypt, and there he found favor with Pharaoh. Pharaoh appointed Joseph to a position of power, second only to Pharaoh himself.

A widespread famine had covered the land; to survive, Joseph’s father told the brothers to travel to Egypt to buy food. Joseph was responsible for giving out food which was in the holdings of Pharaoh. When the brothers arrived Joseph recognized them, but they didn’t recognize him. Before disclosing his identity and expressing his forgiveness, Joseph manipulated his brothers. He set the brothers up, making it appear they had stolen money and Joseph’s silver cup. He also included the possibility of Benjamin becoming a slave in Egypt. Joseph then discloses his identity and extends grace and forgiveness to his brothers.

Forgiveness is not carried out through manipulation or causing the other to fear retribution or to grovel. Those tactics will always be a barrier to sincere forgiveness which may create distrust in the relationship. God does not manipulate or expect us to grovel to receive forgiveness. Remind the congregation of the Enduring Principle Grace and Generosity and how God generously shares forgiveness and grace with all.

When Joseph forgave his brothers, it was not predicated on their request to be forgiven. The speaker might explore the idea of forgiveness occurring in the heart of the one who was hurt even if the one who created the hurt does not ask for forgiveness. Forgiveness can bring as much healing to one as the other. Waiting for the other to ask for forgiveness will prolong one’s pain. The congregation should be challenged to consider whether the act of forgiveness can only follow a request for forgiveness.

While Jesus hung on the cross those who were responsible for his execution were not asking for forgiveness. However, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

This story confirms that even the most difficult of life’s circumstances can be transformed through the Holy Spirit. The final shaping of the writing of Genesis took place during the Babylonian exile. Those in exile were discouraged and had lost hope. There were parallels between their story and the story of Joseph and his family. Hatred sent Joseph into exile. Later the possibility of starvation placed his family in exile.

In these circumstances, God was with them, and new life erupted amid tragedy and difficulty. It is important for the hearers to understand God did not cause the brothers to sin nor did God impose the famine to bring about blessings. Rather, amid pain, we must recognize the seed of God’s hope. New life and freedom can come forth. Challenge the congregants to consider what groups in their community may feel they are in exile, needing to hear words of hope and acceptance.

Faith Unfiltered Podcast

Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.

LISTEN

Central Ideas

1. Forgiveness is unconditional.
2. God does not cause sinful acts to bring about needed results, but through God’s love and grace new hope can spring forth in all circumstances.
3. We are called to be ambassadors of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:16–20).

Questions to Consider

1. Why is it difficult to forgive another?
2. How can forgiveness occur if the offender does not ask to be forgiven?
3. How can your congregation experience corporate moments of reconciliation?
4. What are some ways people in your community may be living in exile?

The story of Joseph’s brothers plotting to kill him, but instead selling him to nomads on their way to Egypt sets the stage for Jacob’s family migrating to Egypt. The story connects a family of roughly 70 people to their progeny, the ancient Israelites, expecting oppression by Pharaoh and their eventual liberation in the exodus by Moses. These verses begin the final chapters of Genesis which is best known as the Joseph Narrative (chapters 37–50). This account’s theological message is that God works through human acts and in the ways of the world.

To understand and preach this set of verses, the preacher should remind the congregation of the outcome of this treacherous act of selling a brother to slavery. By the end of Genesis, the brothers reunite with the full restoration of healthy relations. Many scholars believe this part of Genesis was written in the 10th century BCE when the writers in the Solomonic period wanted to recognize the hidden acts of God in the Israelite nation. This literary section of Genesis shows how God engages in the struggles of a family about issues of power and favoritism and plans to do good despite the jealousy among the brothers. Fundamentally, the passage explores the good that God intends despite human shortfalls.

Our text starts with “This is the story of the family of Jacob” and introduces Joseph as Jacob’s favorite son. Immediately, the text sets forth the disruption of the proper family order and status. Joseph is the first son of Jacob and his favorite wife, Rachel. Hatred and jealousy among the older brothers of Jacob’s other wives immediately seep into the broken relationship when Jacob’s other sons note the favoritism. They do not “speak peaceably” to Joseph (v. 4). The gift of the long robe with sleeves plays a special role in the story by symbolizing the special relationship between Jacob and Joseph and conferring royal status to Joseph.

Although not in today’s text, Joseph’s dreams of leadership and power over his brothers in verses 5 through 11 aggravate the ill-will between the brothers. Ancient dreams such as these were thought of as divinely-given forecasts of the future. Note that later in the Joseph narrative, specifically, chapter 50, the dream is realized.

Although silent in the passage, God is the main actor of the story. Joseph’s brothers try to thwart divine providence by plotting to kill Joseph and throw his body into an underground cistern. They remark in verse 20, “Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits…then, we shall see what will become of his dreams.” Here, the author shows the brothers were trying to thwart Joseph’s calling.

Thanks to Reuben and Judah, the brothers eventually decide to sell Joseph to nomads on their way to Egypt. This act sets the stage for the rest of the story in Genesis. Years later, the brothers travel to Egypt because of famine and meet Joseph. Joseph forgives them, and the brothers are reconciled. Their offspring, the ancient Israelites, end in bondage to Pharaoh waiting for liberation by God. Their story is told in the book of Exodus. Through even the brothers’ hostility, violence, anger, deceit, and jealousy, the authors of Genesis portray God as hidden, yet reliable, and at work regardless of human acts or attitudes.

Faith Unfiltered Podcast

Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.

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Central Ideas

1. God acts in human history with divine purpose.
2. God is trustworthy. God’s ways are sure and reliable.
3. Even in times of power struggles, pain, jealousy, and hurt, God is present and engaged. Christian hope means the future is bright.

Questions to Consider

1. Where has God acted in the life of the congregation during seemingly difficult times?
2. Like Joseph, what dreams do we dream? What promises does God give us on our behalf? What is God’s divine purpose for us?
3. Like Joseph’s brothers, how have we denied God’s wishes and dreams in our lives? Have we tried to thwart God’s divine purpose in our lives, our church, our communities, and our world?