QT 1/27/2026 Gen 50:15–21, Dealing with Guilt

Genesis 50:15–21 (ESV) —

15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him.” 16 So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this command before he died: 17 ‘Say to Joseph, “Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.” ’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18 His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” 19 But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? 20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. 21 So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

 

NOTE: The thing about sin is that it doesn't let go. Yes, I would be ashamed to have been a part of the selling (almost killing) of Joseph, even if it was just lying to the father. I feel like this was probably initiated by Simeon and Levi, more than any of the others. Sin is painful. It is hard to let go of the guilt. But one of the promises of the cross is that the blood of Jesus can even wash away guilt. All of us have garbage in our life that we would like to forget and let go. The gospel gives us that promise. We need to take our garbage of a life and give it God, and believe the gospel, that we are completely forgiven of our sin. I don't need to remember it any more. Jesus has washed me clean.

 

PONDER:

1. Is there a sin that I struggle with guilt? Jesus can give you freedom
2. Do I need to ask forgiveness?

 

PRAYER: Father, the blood of the Jesus cleanses us.

Hebrews 10:19–22 (ESV) — 19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

May we experience the joy of a cleansed body.