Genesis 45:3

Notice, too, that Joseph's brothers do not recognise him. He has to say to them, "I am Joseph," before they knew it was he. And no one can find out God and Christ by searching. No one, by nature's light or human intelligence, ever comes to know the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. It is entirely a matter of divine revelation and sovereignty. Take three illustrations: the woman at the well; the man born blind; and Saul of Tarsus (John 4 and 9; Acts 9).

Exquisite indeed, in the way of grace, this was, and perfect in the skill of love. Joseph could have answered this question himself. Judah's speech had already told him the father was still alive. The echo of it was still in his ears, for it was too precious for him to let it go. But Joseph hurried to bring a third person into the scene. He could not allow the servants or officers of the palace to be present, for that would expose his brothers. And yet he dreaded that being alone with him would be too much for them. So he had to bring someone in to share that moment with them — and the very best of all was the one Joseph's word introduces.

He asked at once, "Is my father still alive?" Why ask this? Because of love; he wanted to take away their fear at once, so he brought their father to their memory.

That they did fear is clear enough, for we read, "they were dismayed at his presence" (verse 3). Joseph, however, draws them to himself with the cords of love; "Come near to me," he says. "And they came near." Having drawn them to himself, he seeks to remove every fear by reminding them that he is still their brother: "I am Joseph your brother." He says, in effect: "I know full well how you treated me in the past. You hated me, you rejected me, you sold me. But do not be afraid. I am Joseph your brother. I know too that the day of my exaltation has come. You see me — the very one you rejected — in the place of power. Do not be afraid. Though I am supreme, I am still Joseph your brother."

Too many converts are like Joseph's brothers here. They are full of doubts and misgivings. He says to them, "I am Joseph." And his brothers could not answer him, we read, "for they were dismayed at his presence." Their consciences were not at rest, just like many a truly converted soul today. "Fear has to do with punishment," John writes. And oh, how a tormenting fear haunts and harasses so many of Christ's redeemed people! They fear they are not really accepted by God, or perfectly justified before Him, or that they may yet be cast away and perish. Such people need to know the perfect love of God in Christ towards all who believe. And it is this love that casts out fear.

"I am Joseph," he tells them. What a shock for them! "Is my father still alive?" He wanted that confirmation from their own lips, but they were so stunned they could not speak (v. 3). What will the result be when the great Messiah of Israel reveals Himself to the nation as the Lord Jesus whom they had crucified? "When they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn" (Zech. 12:10). Like Thomas, they will be broken down and confess, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28).