Genesis 44:33-34
Now therefore, please let your servant remain instead of the boy as a servant to my lord, and let the boy go back with his brothers. For how can I go back to my father if the boy is not with me? I fear to see the evil that would find my father.”
Tag: Substitutionary atonement by "Judah"
These couple of verses depict for us the willingness of Judah, one of the sons of Israel (Jacob) to trade his life for his brother (the youngest son of Israel), Benjamin. Years early these men at sold Joseph (now the second in command to Pharaoh) into slavery. Joseph had set up a test to see if the brothers would desert Benjamin, as well. However, Judah had promised their farther, Israel, that if they didn't bring Benjamin back from the trip to Egypt, for buying food, he would give his life to the boy. Judah is going to keep his promise. And, unlike what they did to Joseph, Judah did not want to do to Benjamin. Judah is willing to lay his life down for Ben. This is a great story of substitutionary atonement: Someone stepping in to "atone" for the other's offense. In this case it was a false offense, as Benjamin really didn't do what he was being accused of. But, Judah didn't know that. Judah only knew that if they went back to their father, Israel, without Benjamin, Israel would die. Judah is willing to give his life for his brother. This was Joseph's test. Would they give Benjamin up, like they did to him years ago, or, would they step up and attempt to save him. Judah (the leader of the tribe that will eventually bring for Jesus, the Messiah) steps up and is willing to give his life for his brother; to take his place. This is what Jesus will eventually do for us. He will take our place. Jesus tells us that no greater love can be displayed than giving your life for your friend (John 15:13). He did for us. He was our substitute to atone for our sins. No great love.
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