Old Testament: Gen 37.29–30

To read the Bible in a year, read Genesis 36–37 on January 15, In the year of our Lord Christ 2025

By Don Ruhl 

While Reuben did not like his father favoring Joseph over all the brothers, Reuben still felt responsible for his little brother. Therefore, when the other brothers sold Joseph to travelers who were headed for Egypt, he became very distressed: “Then Reuben returned to the pit, and indeed Joseph was not in the pit; and he tore his clothes. And he returned to his brothers and said, ‘The lad is no more; and I, where shall I go?’” (Genesis 37.29–30). 

Joseph was still a teenager when this happened, but I think the oldest sibling still often feels a burden toward his younger siblings. I say that, because I am the oldest. Although I do not live near my siblings, but they are all relatively close to one another in miles, I still feel a responsibility toward them. 

One of my siblings has not vanished as Reuben’s brother did, but I try to imagine the horror of his discovery and then how difficult it would be to have to tell your father. 

Somehow you would just feel responsible, especially since they all lived together. May we all, whether the oldest or the youngest, look out for one another. 

Questions: 

• Do you have siblings? If so, what number are you? 
• How do your siblings view you? 

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Don preaches with the Savage Street Church of Christ in Grants Pass, Oregon. 

Listen to his sermons here: GrantsPassChurchOfChrist.com