Genesis 43 shows that Israel could not remain removed from Egypt. Though he would have been content to leave Simeon there, to keep from losing Benjamin, the famine, and his needs required otherwise. When Joseph sees his brother Benjamin, he knows that he is still living and his brothers have not treated Benjamin the same way they treated him.
Genesis 44 presents Judah as a substitute. Joseph has already treated Benjamin with privilege, giving him a great portion of blessing and then arranges an opportunity for his brothers to neglect him. However, in stead of responding with jealousy, Judah steps forward and offers his own life instead. For concern for his father, he is willing to take the place for Benjamin.
Genesis 45 shows how Israel will come to be in Egypt. Joseph reveals his identity and then implores his brothers to go get their father and bring him back. As Joseph sends his brothers, he has to instruct them to not quarrel. We see how God is providing for His Children, even through the hands of pagan men, as Pharaoh sends provisions to make the journey easier.
Genesis 46 shows the entire nation coming down to Egypt, with Judah leading the way. Pharaoh has placed them in Goshen, a land which will provide for their needs.
Genesis 47, the brothers answer that they are shepherds, instead of "keepers of livestock" as Joseph encouraged them. However, this answer does not offend or bother Pharaoh, but instead he gives the privilege. God also rewards Pharaoh, for he gains money, and the land of his fellow Egyptians.
Genesis 48 shows the blessing to Joseph is extended to his sons. In fact, by treating Ephraim and Manasseh as his own children, Jacob is giving a double blessing to Joseph.
Genesis 49 shows the blessings to all brothers, with the obviously greatest blessing going to Judah, who will be a lion and who's rule will be eternal!
Matthew 15 presents more of the Pharisees rejection, and presents a bit of the reason for it. Jesus exposes that the Pharisees love their own traditions more than the commandments of God and will preserve their customs at the risk of God's Word. Yet, we see a woman who is not a child of Israel who has faith, and she is blessed. Jesus also cares for the peoples needs by feeding them.
Matthew 16 presents the Pharisees demanding yet another sign. However, Jesus knows this is not an issue of information, but an issue of hardened hearts. Therefore, Jesus warns the disciples to fear the "leaven" of the Pharisees. Though they cannot understand this, God does open Peter's eyes to be able to see Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the Living God. However, the disciples do not appear prepared to understand that the cross must come first.
It seems that Israel's children do not understand the suffering to come in Egypt. In fact, Egypt seems to be a place of relief from the trials of famine. However, in just a few generations, this land will enslave them and make life very difficult for them. In the same way, the disciples may have seen Jesus as freedom from their current circumstances, but did not understand the suffering that would come before the glory they would enjoy.
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