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Genesis 44 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
Judah goes from schemer to savior. He goes from loving himself to understanding pure, unconditional love. He was the first to suggest selling Joseph years before but now he is the first to offer his life for Benjamin.
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13 ESV
“Judah’s proposal to give himself instead of Benjamin reminds us of Him who freely gave Himself up for us all. It was with such love, but of infinite intensity, that Christ loved us. In Judah’s words we find the loftiest type of pleading which man has ever put forth for man. It is extraordinary to get this glimpse of the strong and noble emotions that slumber in hearts where we should least expect them!”
F.B. Meyer
This type of sacrifice is a noted character trait of faith-filled believers. Moses offered his life for Israel. Paul offered his life for his Jewish brothers. We are called to the same standard.
“Let us see in Judah how Christ pleads for us, and with what power. Certainly he excelled in his appeal, in wisdom, boldness, eloquence, tenderness, and self-sacrifice. How much more should we not praise Jesus for his power, his life, his love, sufferings, death, and present intercession.”
Pulpit Commentary