Grace Disguised as a Meal

Today, we have the honor to witness and celebrate the baptism of Lyla Rittmeyer. This is a beautiful and solemn act that was instituted by the Jesus. Baptism is not just a formality, but it’s a holy sign and seal of the covenant of grace.

Matthew 28:19–20 (ESV) “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” ➤ This is a command from our Lord reveals baptism as a means of marking discipleship, identification with the Triune God, and entrance into the visible church. This act of obedience brings Lyla into LRBC church membership today.

Romans 6:3–4 (ESV) “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life

➤ Baptism is a public testimony that we have been united to Christ in His death and resurrection. It signifies the death of the old self and the beginning of a new life in Christ.

Acts 2:38–39 (ESV) “And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children…”

➤ Baptism is closely tied to repentance and faith. It does not save, but it testifies to the saving work of Christ applied to the one who believes.

Baptism is one of two ordinances given to the local church. IIt is not what saves anyone, but it’s symbolic of the believer’s union with Christ and a profession of faith before the church and the world.

So…let’s get excited today as we witness the sign of God's covenant grace on one of His redeemed. This morning, remember your own baptism and your comment to the Lord and let that stir to a renewed obedience and joy

Lyla,

Have you repented of your sins and trusted in Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of your sins and the salvation of your soul?

Is it your desire to follow Jesus Christ as your Lord, walking in obedience to His Word for the rest of your life?

Sermon starts here:

Hey everyone good morning! I’m so glad you’re here. Whether you’re with us in the room, or online, thank you for joining us today. Whether you are new here or not new here, We’re really grateful you’ve found us, wether you are listen live or later you are truly part of our extended spiritual family.

Hey, if you’ve got kids with you this morning—now’s a great time for them to head to class. We’ve got an amazing team ready to welcome them and help them know Jesus in a way that makes sense to them

For the rest of us, grab your Bible, get comfortable, and open your heart. God has something for you today.

Now I want to make sure everyone is still on the same page. Joseph has a pretty harrowing journey and has some hard conversations and a pretty messed up family situation. However, this is what Joseph says later on to his brothers who have just found out that the brother they left for dead is actually alive and well… "As for you, you meant to harm me, but God intended it for a good purpose." —Joseph . In other words. What man means for evil…God means for good!

Now, before we dive into the text this morning…

Imagine you’ve deeply wronged someone years ago. You betrayed their trust, harmed them, maybe even destroyed their life. Now imagine that person—who is now the owner of the company you work for now—sends for you. You expect judgment, confrontation, maybe revenge. But instead, they set a table. A banquet. And you’re the guest of honor.

Jesus taught this concept when he told the parable of the Prodigal Son. You remember that story. A son decided he wanted the inheritance from his father right away so he could enjoy his life. Then he came back years later after he had spent everything and had nothing to show for it. It comes home in hopes to work as a servant, yet the father prepares a huge feast for his son who had returned home.

That’s the emotional tone of Genesis 43. Joseph’s brothers expect the worst when they show up to Egypt—yet…they get a meal. That’s how God’s grace feels when it first appears.

RC Sproul says,

“God’s grace is not merely undeserved favor—it is favor shown to those who have deserved the very opposite.”

Genesis 43 is not just a story about ancient brothers in Egypt—it’s about how God treats sinners. We’re going to see that God’s grace sometimes confuses people before it comforts, and that His mercy comes to us, not when we’re righteous, but when we’re trembling and uncertain. Joseph sets a table for those who betrayed him—and that table is a shadow of a greater one to come.

Let’s go ahead and dive into the text together this morning and see what God has for us.

Genesis 43:16–18 ESV

When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, “Bring the men into the house, and slaughter an animal and make ready, for the men are to dine with me at noon.” The man did as Joseph told him and brought the men to Joseph’s house. And the men were afraid because they were brought to Joseph’s house, and they said, “It is because of the money, which was replaced in our sacks the first time, that we are brought in, so that he may assault us and fall upon us to make us servants and seize our donkeys.”

Joseph is preparing a feast—but his brothers don’t know that. What they see is a summons to the house of a powerful man they once betrayed. What they feel is fear. And what we see, right away, is that God’s grace often begins in a form we don’t recognize. So let’s look at how grace can feel like a threat before it feels like a gift. Let’s talk about…

The Frightening Invitation (vv. 16–18)

This is really cool…Joseph sees Benjamin, his brother that he hasn’t seen in over 20 years. Joseph doesn’t invite them to a feast for any bad reason…but when you have a guilty heart, even the good things feel scary.

Let me just tell you this up front. God's grace can initially feel like a threat to those with guilty hearts.

This is what the brothers were feeling when they get this invitation to an amazing meal with the second most powerful man in the world at that time. You see, even though they definitely didn’t steal the money from Joseph last time, they are guilty of other sins and they are feeling like they are finally going to have to pay for what they have done in their lives.

We saw last week that when the men opened their sacks and found that money that they were fearful of what might happen. Then they told their father they did nothing wrong, but in their hearts they have not led upright life’s at this point. We know that they are not simply seeing this as a reckoning concerning the money. Remember back in chapter 42 they said to each other.

“In truth we are guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the distress of his soul, when he begged us and we did not listen.”

They know that they are deserving of judgment and cannot comprehend grace in their situation. That’s because, Guilt perverts our interpretation of God’s grace. You see, Grace is present, but they don’t have a category for that yet.

Think of this…Occasionally I look back and think of the people I’ve wronged in my life. I did some despicable things before coming to the Lord. I wonder where they are and how they are doing. Sometime’s I’ve been able to connect with them and repent and sometimes I haven’t. However, in days leading up to my salvation, I saw some of the the people that I had wronged. At least I really thought I did…When I would go closer and really look I would realize that wasn’t them. It was nerve racking to me because of what I had done. It was especially nerve racking to me when I saw them while living in Puerto Rico when they lived in Texas…I had a guilty heart that had not yet been transformed yet. So, the only reason I could think of that these people would be in Puerto Rico was for vengeance. I was expecting judgement since I knew that’s what I deserved.

What about you? How have you misread God’s motivation when your conscience is weighed down? Have you been expecting judgement when God is attempting to show you grace? Are you assuming the worst of God’s gifts because you haven’t learned to trust in his mercy?

Last week I said that God was not trying to ruin you but to prepare you for his grace…that God was not trying to destroy you but deliver you from your chaos and guilt. This week the brothers are about to experience the grace that awaits them…

Let’s read

Genesis 43:19–25 ESV

So they went up to the steward of Joseph’s house and spoke with him at the door of the house, and said, “Oh, my lord, we came down the first time to buy food. And when we came to the lodging place we opened our sacks, and there was each man’s money in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight. So we have brought it again with us, and we have brought other money down with us to buy food. We do not know who put our money in our sacks.” He replied, “Peace to you, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has put treasure in your sacks for you. I received your money.” Then he brought Simeon out to them. And when the man had brought the men into Joseph’s house and given them water, and they had washed their feet, and when he had given their donkeys fodder, they prepared the present for Joseph’s coming at noon, for they heard that they should eat bread there.

Now, while fear fills their hearts, something beautiful begins to emerge: honesty. Rather than lie or scheme, the brothers do something they’ve never done before in this story—they come clean. And when they do, they don’t meet wrath... they meet a surprising voice of peace. Let’s watch how grace responds to confession. Let’s talk about…

The Brothers’ Confession and Honest Intentions (vv. 19–25)

Right off the bat, the brothers come clean about the money in their sacks. They don’t hide it, they don’t blame someone else, they don’t deflect…they simply confess. There is a humbling that has happened here. They could have said, “your people messed up and we’ve fixed it”… Instead they just humble themselves before the steward of the house. Right here they have emphasized both honesty and restitution: “We brought it back... and more.” They are willing to make things right here.

This is already showing a huge amount of growth in these men, and it won’t be the last time we are surprised by their responses this morning. What we see is that true repentance is beginning to emerge in their dealings.

Then we see a gentle affirmation of God’s providence when the stewards says, “Your God… has given you treasure…” This is really cool here, because this steward in a gentile, he is not an Israelite. Joseph’s steward is a foreshadowing Gentile inclusion in the Gospel. Isn’t it cool that when we slow down to read Scripture we can see small glimpses of the Gospel of Jesus throughout Scripture?

Here is what we are really talking about here though. We see that God answers confession with assurance. What is it that you need to confess to the Lord today? Where have you been hiding and seeking to coverup your sin so that others won’t know, or maybe you’re trying to hide it so God won’t see it?

We see the brothers are beginning to turn from their sinful mindset and turn to a more honest way of life. It’s to bad this doesn’t continue through their lineage, but at least for now, they are attempting to do the right thing, and what they are doing will lead to a more full confession later. Do you want to see grace here? Look at how Peace is extended before their guilt has been resolved. That is pure grace. They don’t deserve this peace, but Joseph is offering it to them.

So, the brothers have confessed. They’ve been met with peace. And now, they are about to be brought into Joseph’s presence—again, still unaware of who he truly is. What happens next pulls back the curtain a little more, and we get to see grace—not only in provision—but in a person, deeply moved and emotionally invested. This next moment is one of the most heartfelt moments in the entire story.

Let’s read

Genesis 43:26–32 ESV

When Joseph came home, they brought into the house to him the present that they had with them and bowed down to him to the ground. And he inquired about their welfare and said, “Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?” They said, “Your servant our father is well; he is still alive.” And they bowed their heads and prostrated themselves. And he lifted up his eyes and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother’s son, and said, “Is this your youngest brother, of whom you spoke to me? God be gracious to you, my son!” Then Joseph hurried out, for his compassion grew warm for his brother, and he sought a place to weep. And he entered his chamber and wept there. Then he washed his face and came out. And controlling himself he said, “Serve the food.” They served him by himself, and them by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves, because the Egyptians could not eat with the Hebrews, for that is an abomination to the Egyptians.

Let’s talk about…

The Revealing Reception and Emotional Tension (vv. 26–32)

Ok, so I want you to think about this...The brothers bow → Joseph asks about their father → Joseph sees Benjamin → Joseph weeps . He’s seen him before from a distance but now he sees Benjamin bowing down before him. He is close enough tot go and hug, but it’s not yet time for that. Can you feel that tension? Joseph is moved to tears for two reasons. First, this is the full picture that God showed him when he was a teenager, all of his brothers bowing before him…Then he sees Benjamin. The only brother of his mother that he has not seen in such a long time. A brother that believes he Joseph is dead, but he is here with him now.

In verse 30 we read that Joseph’s inner emotional world, “grew warm for his brother”. His affection boiled up concerning his brother. This is same expression is used in 1 Kgs 3:26 when Solomon ordered to slice a child in half to determine the child’s true mother way. This is the same feeling that a mother has for her endangered child. This is what Joseph is feeling here. This is why he is moved to tears at the sight of Benjamin.

I want you to feel this tension that Joseph is wrestling with here…

We can see Christ through Joseph in this story. Just like Christ, Joseph is hidden, but present. He is merciful, yet restrained. He is preparing for the fullness of his revelation. Through Joseph’s weeping we can see Jesus’ weeping over the people of Jerusalem…or weeping over Lazarus.

Here’s the truth, Grace doesn’t rush the process; it allows transformation happen. Grace allows you to feel every aspect of the Gospel…of the good news.

Now everyone here is dealing with something. Maybe it’s a sinful issue you need to confess…maybe its a personal struggle you’re trying to understand…maybe it’s a time of God allowing the fire to refine you, but you’re dealing with something. Maybe you don’t even know or understand what you’re going through but it’s just hard…God is not indifferent to your pain or to you story. He may be waiting to reveal his grace, but he’s weeping too. God is preparing you for a better restoration in the midst of your struggle. Can you trust that God is holding you like he promised?

Joseph has just wept in secret, overcome by love and longing. But now, he returns—not yet ready to reveal himself, but ready to test the heart of his brothers one more time. What follows is subtle, brilliant, and profound. It’s a test—not of guilt this time, but of envy. Let’s see how grace searches the heart by blessing someone else.

Genesis 43:33–34 ESV

And they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright and the youngest according to his youth. And the men looked at one another in amazement. Portions were taken to them from Joseph’s table, but Benjamin’s portion was five times as much as any of theirs. And they drank and were merry with him.

Isn’t this interesting…Joseph shows great favor to Benjamin for no reason…at least no reason that they would know. Let’s talk about…

The Unveiled Favor and Test of Jealousy (v. 33–34)

So there’s some interesting things here that honestly I’m not sure I ever realized before now. Did you notice that Joseph sat them from oldest to youngest. Of course he would know who the youngest was becuase he’s the only new person, but how would Joseph know the birth order of the rest? Of course he knows because he is their brother…but they don’t know that yet. This is something that only someone with intimate knowledge of this family could know. This increases the tension of the meal among the brothers.

Next Joseph does something that should have riled up the brothers. Joseph did something to see if they would be riled up. All of the brothers are fed…except that Benjamin is given 5 times the amount of food as the others. Now, this is a picture of the favor that was shown to Joseph when they were all younger. So the question is…will they resent Benjamin openly the way they resented Joseph many years ago. Will they question why he gets so much and they don’t…or have they changed? That is the question that Joseph wanted answered.

Sometimes God’s grace to others, is a test of your own heart. You see, what God gives to others is of no consequence to you…You should only be seeking to be pleasing to the Lord, no matter what happens to others. You should be seeking to be a good steward of what God has given to you no matter what God hs given to others. That is what the brothers seem to have learned. They were able to eat and drink with Joseph as an old friend not concerning themselves with what Benjamin had.

Do you celebrate God’s grace in others…or do you feel like it isn’t fair…do you feel cheated by it? I’ve known people through the years that would frequently feel slighted by others, or maybe by God because someone else has something you wish you recieved, or maybe something you think you deserve. I’ve been guilty of that and every person in this room has been guilty of that…the question is, have you repented of that?

There is just so much in this story that we’ve read this morning that I have to fit it into a small section. Luckily you can read the story for yourself and you can continue studying yourself. Here’s what’s really cool though. Joseph tested whether his brothers still harbored feelings of jealousy, especially towards their younger brother Benjamin. What he saw was that there was no resentment…only joy! That’s a sign of true repentance…True repentance removes envy and restores unity.

Have you come to realize that in your own life yet? Maybe you have been holding some resentment towards another person, or towards some other group of people. Have you repented of your own part of that broken relationship? Have you realized that reconciliation truly is possible when you have a heart of repentance? Or would you rather hold on to things that have happened to you?

Joseph tested his brothers—not with threats, but with grace. And in their joyful response to Benjamin’s favor, we see something stunning: we see transformation. Hearts that once envied now rejoice. Guilt has begun to give way to grace. And Joseph, still hidden, is preparing for full reconciliation. But that grace didn’t begin with a hug—it began with a meal. And that’s where we return, as we focus on our own hearts...

Remember where we started? You wronged someone terribly. Years pass. You assume they’re waiting to make you pay. But instead, they invite you to dinner. You walk in expecting justice. And what you find is mercy. This is the scenario that Joseph’s brothers find themselves in. They don’t know this is Joseph yet, but they know they are guilty and that they deserve judgement… and so do we.

In this story, we’ve seen grace misunderstood as a trap, confession met with peace, compassion hidden behind restraint, and favor offered without jealousy. All of it—shows grace working behind the scenes. All of it—shows a picture of how God deals with us.

Joseph prepared a table before his enemies—not to destroy them, but to restore them. And Jesus did the same.

At the Last Supper, Jesus gave bread and wine to those who would deny, run, hide, and betray Him. And yet, He still served them. He still called them His friends.

Luke 22:19 says,

Luke 22:19 ESV

And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

If you are here today and you are not yet in Christ—listen carefully. You may feel like one of Joseph’s brothers right now. You know your guilt. You know what you’ve done. You’ve carried it for years. Maybe you've buried it deep. Maybe you've tried to cover it with religion, with good deeds, or with distractions—but it still screams. It still accuses. And maybe you think that if God were to call you into His presence, it would be to settle the score.

But what if—just like Joseph—God is calling you not to punish you, but to forgive you? What if, instead of a sword, He’s set a table? What if this sermon, this text, this very moment is your invitation into grace?

I have good news for you: Jesus Christ, the greater Joseph, has already done what you fear He might do. He has taken the judgement of your sin upon Himself. At the cross, the One you betrayed became the One who bore your penalty. He died in the place of guilty rebels. And when He rose from the grave, He set a table—for you. He calls to you now: ‘Come, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest’ (Matthew 11:28).

But you must come. You must turn. You must repent of your sin, including your self-sufficiency. Let go of your pride, your past, your shame, and your excuses. Come with empty hands and an open heart. Come to the one who weeps for you, who bleeds for you. Repent and trust the Gospel.

Christian—what about you? You have trusted Him for salvation, you’ve repented—don’t leave this moment unchanged either.

Joseph's brothers weren’t just invited to a one-time meal—they were being prepared for a lifetime of reconciliation, transformation, and humble obedience. And so are you. The call of the Gospel is not only to enter the kingdom, but to walk in its ways—to live with a heart of repentance.

Repentance is the way of life for the one who has seen the mercy of Christ. Not because you fear being cast out—but because you love the One who brought you in.

Repent daily. Rejoice often. Forgive freely. And marvel again and again that Christ prepared a place for you—at the cost of His own life.

Let’s pray: Pray for those who are struggling to see the truth of the Gospel and receive forgiveness in their lives.