Read Genesis 43:18-34

“Then he took servings to them from before him, but Benjamin’s serving was five times as much as any of theirs. So they drank and were merry with him.” (Genesis 43:34)

The whole scene of these final chapters in Genesis unravels in the most masterful way that there’s not a novel on the planet that rivals it.

Emotions were high. The yearning for Joseph to reveal himself to his brothers was immense. Yet, he was disciplined to keep his identity undercover until the timing was right. His brothers had no idea they were staring into the eyes of Joseph — the eyes they gazed upon over 20 years ago which had swelled with terror and flowed with tears of trauma as they heartlessly sold him off to another land.

Joseph had changed drastically in his appearance, taking on the form and culture of an Egyptian as the ruler of the land. He was much older now. His hair was different. His robes were clean and flowing. His house was filled with treasure. He was not the boy they remember. He was a man of great stature! No wonder they did not recognize him — or for that matter, even know he could understand their Hebrew conversations.

Yet, as unrecognizable as Joseph was to his brothers, it wasn’t without hints. Joseph seemed to show an unusual interest in their father, Jacob, and in their youngest brother, Benjamin. Joseph continued to astound them by seating them at the table in the systematic order of their age, from oldest to youngest. Perhaps the greatest hint Joseph gave as to his identity was what he did for his youngest brother Benjamin, who was served 5 times as much as the others.

What made Benjamin so special? Well, Benjamin was the only brother of the same mother. Not just that, but their mother was Rachel, the woman whom their father, Jacob, loved most dearly. Benjamin was Joseph’s true brother in the flesh, through and through. Surely Joseph loved all his brothers, but Benjamin was the apple of his eye. He was like the rosebud among the thorns, or the sun breaking through the clouds. Joseph found joy to reward such a one as this with five times the blessing as the others.

On this principle, I am reminded of the words of Paul the Apostle to the Galatian church:

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10)

In Christ, we have all become as one family in the household of God. We share the commonwealth of the Holy Spirit and enjoy the same blessings under one Lord. While all mankind freely enjoys the common graces of God, such as life and breath, the Church is as Benjamin at the table of the Lord. We have been given the special graces of God, the spiritual blessings of the Holy Spirit, and free access to the throne room of our Master.

Therefore, yes! — we must do good to all people for the sake of Christ, but seeing that we all sit around the same table of the Lord, let us especially do good to each other who are of the household of faith. In this way, the genuineness of our faith is tested by the good we do unto one another.

As the Apostle James clearly warns us:

“If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?” (James 2:15–16)

And as King Solomon spoke:

“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so.” (Proverbs 3:27)

Thus, if encouragement is due, then let yourself encourage the church five times over. If compassion is desired, then let your compassions pour out fivefold to your brother or sister in Christ. If hospitality is needed, then multiply your hospitality toward the children of God. If you are called on for benevolence, then let your benevolence freely spill out to the saints.

For even Christ our Lord said:

“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)

Furthermore, the Apostle Paul commands:

“Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.” (Romans 12:10–13)

What good can you do today for a brother or sister in the faith? If you know, then by all means, go and do it! — and do it without reservation.