Genesis 44

"Now please let your servant remain here as my lord's slave, in place of the boy.  Let him go back with his brothers."

Genesis 44:33

Just as Joseph's brothers feared, they were treated as thieves when the servant found the money in their bags.  In particular, the servant found a silver goblet in Benjamin's bags, which belonged to Joseph.  Even though these had been placed in the brothers' bags by the servant, he was given orders to treat them like slaves and bring Benjamin back to Joseph's house.

When told that Joseph would only be taking Benjamin, Judah spoke privately with Joseph and offered to take the young brother's place.  This came, not out of love for the brother, but out of love for the father.  Judah had given his word that he would be personally accountable for Benjamin because he knew how much the boy meant to their father.

Have you ever felt like your parents were playing favorites?  Or maybe a teacher, boss, or some other leader?  Have you ever felt like God Himself was playing favorites, loving someone else more than He loves you?  Obviously, God had a favorite son: Jesus - His only begotten son.  In that case, though, it was the most beloved son standing in place for all of God's other children.  That's sort of a reverse of what Judah did for Benjamin.

How can Benjamin make it up to Judah for sticking up for him?  Go back to their father and make him proud!

How can we make it up to Jesus for sticking up for us?  Go back to our Father and make Him proud!