And if ye be true men, let one of your brethren be bound in the house of your prison: go ye, carry corn for the famine of your houses: But bring your youngest brother unto me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die. And they did so. And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us. And Reuben answered them, saying, Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? Therefore, behold, also his blood is required.
In this passage from Genesis, Joseph tests his brothers by demanding that they bring their youngest brother to him in Egypt. The guilt that the brothers feel about betraying Joseph many years prior is resurfacing as they face the consequences of their actions. Reuben reminds them of the warning he gave them not to harm Joseph, but they did not listen. The brothers are now facing the reality of their past sins and the importance of accountability. This passage serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of our actions and the importance of honesty and integrity in all interactions.
Image by Ai Junkie
