Sent Ahead to Save—God’s Plan and Joseph’s Journey

When we last saw Joseph, he had received the enormous task of preparing for a great famine. As the second most influential person in Egypt, Joseph served as God’s representative, positioned to save many lives. This reflects the heart of God and the earthly ministry of Jesus—preserving life.

Joseph’s God-given commitment, wisdom, gifts, and dreams set the stage for his reunion with his father Jacob, his eleven brothers, and an extended family of about seventy people. When food became scarce, Jacob heard there was grain in Egypt and sent his sons to buy some.

When they arrived, Joseph recognized them. They did not know that the man they had come to bow before in search of food was their brother.

After several visits to Egypt and some testing by Joseph, the brothers discovered that he was alive, thriving, and highly respected. They also realized his dreams had come true.

Many people did not recognize Jesus as God’s Son. He spent time with the sick, the sinful, the homeless, and the lonely. He loved, helped, healed, and taught the crowds. During this season of preparing our hearts, we remember that Jesus, like Joseph, suffered much. Yet He always followed God’s plan.

Once the family reunited in Egypt, they found food, favor, and forgiveness. During this Lenten and Easter season, you may have the chance to gather with family, enjoy meals together, and extend forgiveness. These blessings remind us of the joy of having a place to call home.

Joseph said to his brothers and to his father’s household, “I will go up and speak to Pharaoh and will say to him, ‘My brothers and my father’s household, who were living in the land of Canaan, have come to me. The men are shepherds; they tend livestock, and they have brought along their flocks and herds and everything they own.’ When Pharaoh calls you in and asks, ‘What is your occupation?’ you should answer, ‘Your servants have tended livestock from our boyhood on, just as our fathers did.’ Then you will be allowed to settle in the region of Goshen, for all shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians.”

Joseph explained to his brothers that all he had endured served a greater purpose. It was for the preservation of many lives.

Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?”

 

But his brothers could not answer him, because they were terrified.

 

Then Joseph said, “Come close to me.”

 

When they came near, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt. Do not be distressed or angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now, there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years, there will be no plowing or harvesting. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household, and ruler of all Egypt. Now hurry back to my father and say to him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says: God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me; don’t delay. You shall live in the region of Goshen and be near me—you, your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and all you have. I will provide for you there because five years of famine are still to come. Otherwise, you and your household and all who belong to you will become destitute.’”

Jesus’ suffering, death, burial, and resurrection were also part of God’s plan to save humanity. Because of His suffering, we have the opportunity to know and belong to God. Those who trust in Him are part of His family. God is our Father. Jesus is our Savior and Brother. Though suffering, disappointment, and disagreements happen in all families, “family” is God’s idea.

To learn more about God’s plan to save people from destruction, talk with your parents, guardians, Sunday School teacher, or pastor. Keep reading the Bible.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your perfect plans—plans to save, help, and protect. Your divine purpose is higher and greater than anything we could ask or imagine. Jesus, Joseph, and many others suffered, yet Your plan moved forward. Help us grow closer to You and to our families. We love You, God. Amen.

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©2025 Penelope White Use with author’s permission. Send requests to penywhite@hotmail.com

Penelope Allen White is a wife, mother of two young adult sons, and grandmother. Her passion is for all children and people to have an intimate knowledge of God. She works as a Christian educator, speaker, church school curriculum writer and teacher, workshop facilitator, middle school counselor, and neighborhood tutor. Despite her busy schedule, she still finds time to enjoy a game of hopscotch!