Blessed are The Merciful - Joseph Forgives His Brothers

Summary

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The Jesus Podcast: Blessed are The Merciful – Joseph Forgives His Brothers

Host: Pray.com
Date: July 3, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode centers on the Beatitude "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy" (Matthew 5:7) and illustrates its profound meaning through the story of Joseph's forgiveness of his brothers (Genesis 50:15-21). The narrative weaves powerful storytelling with theological reflection, focusing on themes of mercy, forgiveness, and the transformation that can arise from grace.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. The Countercultural Message of Jesus (00:00–03:10)

• The episode opens with a prayer for mercy, highlighting its central place in a Christian’s life.

• Jesus’ Beatitudes are described as radically overturning societal norms and expectations, emphasizing humility, compassion, and mercy.

• Quote:

  "Jesus wasn't a worldly king. He wasn't after glory and conquest. He was on a mission to pierce hearts."
  —Narrator (00:58)

• Jesus’ audience hears:

  "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy."
  —Joseph, voicing Jesus (03:03)

2. The Nature of Mercy in the Kingdom of God (03:10–04:04)

• The host draws a distinction between those shaped by mercy and those who withhold it, linking it directly to the heart’s response to the Gospel.

• Mercy is presented as both an inward transformation and an outward sign of Kingdom citizenship.

• Quote:

  "Those who have truly experienced mercy know how to give it in return. It's a heavenly cycle that marks a kingdom citizen."
  —Host (03:10)

3. Joseph’s Story: Wrestling with Forgiveness (06:06–15:24)

• Setting: Joseph, now powerful in Egypt, faces the brothers who betrayed him, wrestling between vengeance and mercy.

• The narrative richly dramatizes Joseph's internal struggle and longing for family, juxtaposed with his deep wound from betrayal.

• Joseph observes his brothers’ humility and changed hearts, especially in their affection for Benjamin.

• Emotional tension builds as Joseph tests his brothers, searching for a genuine change.

• Memorable Moments:

  • Judah’s humility and regret resonate deeply with Joseph’s pain and longing.
  • Joseph’s internal question: "Could I show myself to them? What if… nothing has changed?" (07:06)

4. The Ordeal: Mercy Tested through a Silver Cup (15:24–23:38)

• Joseph tests his brothers by accusing them of stealing his silver cup, staging a dramatic confrontation.

• Judah steps in to defend Benjamin, offering himself as a substitute—a pivotal demonstration of mercy and self-sacrifice.

• Quote:

  "Take me instead… Let me suffer so he can live."
  —Judah (23:33)

• This act convinces Joseph that true repentance and transformation have taken place within his brothers.

5. Joseph’s Forgiveness & the Revelation (24:31–27:22)

• Overcome with emotion, Joseph reveals his true identity, embracing his brothers.

• He explicitly refuses vengeance, instead ascribing redemptive purpose to the pain he experienced:

• Quotes:

  "It is me. I am your brother, Joseph."
  —Joseph (24:58)
  "Do not hold your head low in shame... God sent me here to preserve life."
  —Joseph (26:13)
  "What you intended for evil, God intended for good."
  —Joseph (27:17)

• The brothers are reconciled in a moving scene of mutual forgiveness and grace.

6. Application & Reflection on Mercy (28:10–End)

• The host returns to summarize the lessons:

  • Mercy requires compassion, forgiveness, and overcoming vengeance.
  • True forgiveness mirrors God’s character and sovereignty ("Am I in the place of God?").
  • Joseph’s words: "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good," encapsulate the Christian call to find purpose and redemption in suffering (28:46).

• Notable Takeaways:

  • Forgive freely: No favoritism, as God forgives all (Romans 2:11).
  • Show compassion: Seek to understand others’ pain and brokenness.
  • Let go of vengeance: Trust God’s justice, break cycles of retaliation.
  • Seek reconciliation: As much as possible, pursue peace and restoration (Romans 12).

• Memorable Analogy:

  "It's when we wash people's feet that we can see why they walk the way they do."
  —Host (Approx. 29:30)

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Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy."
  —Joseph, voicing Jesus (03:03)

• "Those who have truly experienced mercy know how to give it in return."
  —Host (03:10)

• "Take me instead… Let me suffer so he can live."
  —Judah (23:33)

• "It is me. I am your brother, Joseph."
  —Joseph (24:58)

• "What you intended for evil, God intended for good."
  —Joseph (27:17)

• "It's when we wash people's feet that we can see why they walk the way they do."
  —Host (Approx. 29:30)

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Episode Highlights & Memorable Moments

• Joseph’s vulnerable wrestling with forgiveness underlines the difficulty and transformative power of mercy (06:06–15:24).
• Judah’s self-sacrifice demonstrates the authentic repentance and love that break cycles of generational pain (22:20–23:38).
• Joseph’s heartfelt revelation and refusal to seek revenge beautifully model Christlike mercy (24:31–27:22).

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Structured Timeline of Important Segments

• 00:00–03:10 — Beatitudes, introduction of mercy as a Kingdom virtue
• 06:06–15:24 — Joseph’s emotional turmoil and testing of his brothers
• 15:24–23:38 — The test: silver cup, Benjamin accused, Judah’s plea
• 24:31–27:22 — Joseph’s revelation, forgiveness, and the family’s reconciliation
• 28:10–End — Host’s reflection and practical application of mercy

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Conclusion

This powerful episode weds biblical storytelling and modern application, presenting Joseph’s journey from suffering to forgiveness as a living example of Jesus’s teaching on mercy. Listeners are called to emulate such mercy in their own lives—to forgive, to seek peace, and to reflect the compassionate character of God, just as Joseph and Jesus did.

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Transcript

[Narrator]

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Heavenly Father, teach us the profound depth of mercy that you have shown us, that we might extend the same to others. Let mercy flow from us naturally, touching every interaction, every judgment, every response. Instill a heart that mirrors your own kind, forgiving and compassionate. May we remember that in being merciful, we not only emulate your character, but also open our lives to receive your mercy in fuller measure. Help us to see through the lens of grace, to act with kindness, and to forgive generously, for in doing so, we truly reflect your love to the world. In the name of Jesus, our greatest example of mercy, we pray. Amen. Thank you for praying with me today. This is the Jesus Podcast, stories crafted to grow your faith and awaken your imagination. Remain here for another story inspired by the Sermon on the Mount. If this podcast has blessed you so far, we would love it if you left us a review. We want to hear how the Gospel is changing lives. Jesus wasn't a worldly king. He wasn't after glory and conquest. He was on a mission to pierce hearts. The beginning of his sermon flipped people's perspective of what it meant to be blessed upside down. He described hearts moved by humility, mourning meekness, and a thirst for righteousness.

[Joseph]

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.

[Narrator]

It was countercultural, the antithesis of Roman rule for the kingdoms of the world. But Christ's kingdom was not of this world. His army was filled with outcasts, beggars and vagabonds, broken people with redeemed hearts and renewed minds. With authority and conviction, Jesus continued saying,

[Joseph]

blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

[Host]

Those who have truly experienced mercy know how to give it in return. It's a heavenly cycle that marks a kingdom citizen. Those who withhold mercy reveal something about their hearts. They haven't truly been affected deeply by the gospel. This is the Jesus Podcast. For the past week, we've been connecting Jesus Sermon on the Mount with other biblical stories showing how the Bible interweaves into a grand tapestry of God's kingdom. Today, our focus is on Matthew, chapter 5, verse 7, which states, Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. We'll explore what it means to be merciful, how this virtue is exemplified in the story of Joseph forgiving his brothers in Genesis, chapter 50, verses 15 through 21. And how we can embody these values in our everyday lives.

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[Narrator]

Hatred. Dark, deep, powerful hatred. Proud like a lion waiting to devour Joseph's heart. God had taken Joseph to new heights, making him ruler of Egypt. But as he stood before his brothers who had betrayed him, he felt like that wounded and betrayed child who was sold into slavery long ago. They didn't know it was Joseph, the brother they had beaten and sold as a slave. They thought Joseph had been long dead.

[Guard]

No.

[Narrator]

To them, he was Zaphenath Panea, steward of Egypt's wealth and right hand to Pharaoh. Even though he was the most powerful man in the world besides Pharaoh, Joseph felt vulnerable in front of them.

[Joseph]

Could I show myself to them? What if. What if nothing has changed?

[Narrator]

It would have been much easier to get revenge on them. Joseph could have each of his 12 brothers executed with a snap of his fingers. He found himself teetering between rage and joy. Joseph wanted a connection with his brothers. He longed to be a family once again. However, he couldn't trust them after what they had done. Joseph watched the way they treated Benjamin, the youngest. They danced with him, laughed with him, and showed him the brotherly affection Joseph never received. They loved each other deeply, and Joseph's heart broke over the years he had lost. He slumped back in his throne, wrestling with his flesh. Joseph hosted his brothers in his palace. He showered them with food, wine, and exotic fruits. He wanted to observe them, to see if they had changed. Joseph smiled and clapped his hands together.

[Joseph]

My friends, I am pleased you have enjoyed our hospitality. Please stay the night here so you can rest. I'm sure your journey has been long.

[Narrator]

Judah bowed his head in reverence.

[Judah]

You are too kind to us, Zephaneth Panea. We had never expected such kindness from you. Especially after the last time we were here.

[Narrator]

He pulled Benjamin in close and tucked him under his large arms.

[Judah]

Our father will be pleased that Benjamin was treated so well.

[Narrator]

Joseph winced at Judah's affection towards Benjamin. He couldn't shake the feeling that it was all a lie. They had once hated Joseph for being the favorite son, but now they seemed to love Benjamin. Joseph studied the brothers carefully. They seemed to be changed men, transformed by conviction and hardship.

[Joseph]

Your father is a blessed man to have so many sons. You said that one of them was taken from you, correct?

[Host]

Yes, my Lord.

[Judah]

We had a younger brother before Benjamin.

[Host]

Joseph was his name. He is no more.

[Judah]

Wild animals devoured him in the wilderness.

[Narrator]

Joseph observed a notable change in his brothers. Their faces were despondent and filled with shame. Joseph's eyes darted like a hawk's. He was carefully observing their every move, seeking to understand their hearts.

[Joseph]

That is unfortunate.

[Narrator]

He placed his hands behind his back and stepped towards them. He paced around them, scanning them up and down.

[Joseph]

You must have loved this brother very much. It sure seems like all of you are so, so close. It must have been tragic for you to lose him.

[Narrator]

The brothers remained Silent eyes on the ground, Joseph's face twitched.

[Joseph]

It's obvious that you are men who fear God and would never deal with anyone dishonestly.

[Narrator]

None of the brothers made eye contact. They all felt the collective shame of what they did to Joseph so long ago. Joseph knew he had struck a chord with them. He continued to pace around them, saying,

[Joseph]

your brother Benjamin is blessed to have you. Not all brothers take kindly to one being the favorite.

[Narrator]

He placed his hands on Benjamin's shoulders and smiled.

[Joseph]

You, my son, are truly blessed. It was an honor to host you. Now get some rest. I am sure your father is eager to see you again.

[Narrator]

With those words, Joseph departed back to his chambers. The brothers were escorted to a private villa outside Joseph's home. They were treated to warm baths and linen blankets. That night they slept full and happy. However, Joseph was awake all night, wrestling with his heart. Joseph spent the night outside his room, gazing up at the skies. The expanse of heaven overwhelmed him. The way the stars stretched far beyond the horizon filled him with wonder. He looked at the torches illuminating the city below. Mimicking the stars above. A gentle breeze blew blissfully across Joseph's face. He leaned over the balcony, gripping it tightly. A small stream of tears fell down his cheek. Joseph shook his head, unsure about what to do next. He sighed and thought about his dreams. He thought about the stars and sheaves of grain bowing to him. God gave him those dreams for a purpose. But what was the purpose? Surely it couldn't be revenge? Joseph sat in a place of power, influence and riches because of his brother's sins. He blamed them for his suffering. However, God had used it for good. But the question remained. What was he going to do about his brothers? As Joseph wrestled with these questions in the dark, a warm hand touched his arm. Asenath wrapped her arms around Joseph. Her embrace was a pleasant balm to his wounded heart. Knowing her husband's mind, she held him close.

[Asenath]

What will you do with them?

[Joseph]

I cannot let them leave. This famine will be deadly for more years to come. They won't survive on their own.

[Asenath]

Will you ask them to stay? Will you reveal who you are?

[Joseph]

I cannot trust them. I still don't know if they've changed.

[Asenath]

You have endured more than anyone else I know. You have been betrayed, forgotten and cast aside. But there would be no redemption of the land without your hardship.

[Narrator]

Asenath hugged Joseph tightly and leaned her head against his chest. Joseph closed his eyes, remembering the jagged stone of the pit they threw him into. He remembered the whips on his back and the cool, damp prison walls with every cruelty he had endured, God had redeemed him. God had molded his hardship, pride, and trials into a beautiful tapestry of redemption. There was not a single ounce of his life God hadn't blessed. He wondered if God had the same will for his brothers.

[Joseph]

Perhaps they must go through a test of their own.

[Narrator]

The sons of Jacob gathered to say farewell to Joseph. Their donkeys were packed and belongings strapped over their shoulders. The men bowed again to the governor and paid their respects. Judah bowed his head to Joseph.

[Judah]

Zaphoneth Benaiah, our family will remember your kindness for generations. We pray we never have to return here and the famine will be over shortly.

[Narrator]

Joseph said nothing. He only nodded his head and dismissed them. He then gestured to his servant, who was standing at attention at the courtyard entrance. The servant nodded and brought in 11 bags of grain, one by one, from oldest to youngest. He placed each bag in front of the brothers. Each brother took their grain sack and secured it to their donkeys. Joseph watched each bag, taking note of where each one was placed. Joseph and his family waved the men goodbye. They left the courtyard and began to make their way out of the city. Joseph's smile quickly faded as they went. He wore the face of a man ready for battle. He grabbed his scepter and called for his guards.

[Joseph]

Follow them when they approach the end of the city. Surround them. Do not be gentle. Bring them back so I may speak with them.

[Narrator]

The guards mounted their horses and rode to the outskirts of the city. The brothers had finally approached the main road leading back to Canaan when a fury of horses surrounded them. The brothers huddled together, afraid to be kicked by one of the horses. The guards drew their swords and pointed them down at the brothers.

[Judah]

What is the meaning of this?

[Narrator]

The guard dismounted and approached the brothers with a dagger in his hand. Judah stepped in front of Benjamin.

[Guard]

Our master has treated you well, yet you have decided to disgrace him.

[Judah]

What are you talking about? We've done nothing wrong. We're grateful for Zaphoneth Phineas. Generosity.

[Guard]

So you say. However, despite his generosity, you felt the need to steal from him. Our master's silver cup is missing.

[Judah]

Far be it from us to do such a thing. I'm confident that none of us have stolen a thing. Go ahead and search us. Whichever of us is found with it shall die. The rest of us can be imprisoned as slaves.

[Narrator]

The man raised his dagger in the air to silence them.

[Guard]

It shall be as you say. Whoever has stolen from my master shall be a slave. There is only one way to know the truth.

[Narrator]

He took his dagger and ripped it through Reuben's back. The grain began to spill onto the ground. The brothers watched silently as he dragged the blade through Simeon's bag, then Levi's, then Judah's. He tore apart the bags from oldest to youngest and allowed all the contents to spill out onto the floor. Lastly, he made his way to Benjamin's bag. He stabbed the bag and allowed his dagger to slide downwards. The grain spilled out. Among it was Joseph's silver chalice. He took the dagger and unsheathed it. He picked up the chalice and raised it to Benjamin's face.

[Guard]

This is my Lord's cup. Do you not know that this is the cup he uses for prophecy? Perhaps you desire to steal this for his gifts?

[Judah]

No. It must be a mistake.

[Narrator]

Judah shouted, darting for Benjamin. The guards dismounted their horses and held their swords up to them. They all watched helplessly as Benjamin was kicked to the ground and beaten. They were bound with rope and escorted back to Joseph's estate. The brothers were thrown before Joseph's feet. The guards held their spears close to their necks. Joseph stepped down from his throne. The entire room was silent and the brothers trembled in fear. He circled them like a predator.

[Joseph]

I am the prophet of Egypt. I am the one whom God speaks to. I welcomed you into my home. I fed you my food. I let you drink my wine. I give you a double portion of grain and return your money to you. I once thought you were spies. Yet here you are shown to be peddling and ungrateful.

[Judah]

The please, my Lord. We are your humble servants. What can we say to clear our names?

[Narrator]

Joseph paused for a moment, memories of Judah flooding back into his mind. He remembered looking him in the eyes before being thrown into the pit. He could feel the pull of revenge gripping his heart. Everything in his flesh desired to execute all of them for what they did. He desired to use his power to strike them down with justice. However, he knew God had called him to do something higher. Joseph needed to test their hearts. It was time to see if they had learned from their past sins. Joseph softened his tone.

[Joseph]

You are free to leave. All I require is the one who stole from me.

[Narrator]

Joseph raised his scepter at Benjamin.

[Joseph]

You young man, will be my slave. The rest of your brothers can walk away with grain and their freedom.

[Judah]

Zephanith Phonea, please do not take Benjamin.

[Narrator]

The brothers erupted with protest. They stood to their feet and surrounded Benjamin.

[Joseph]

Why do you care if I take him? You should be thanking me. This brother is clearly your father's favorite. I will take him and you will have more birthright to yourselves.

[Narrator]

The guards tore Benjamin away from his brothers. Judah ran after him only to be struck by one of the guards. His face hit the stone floor. He winced in pain and blood ran, ran down his temple. The entire room was silent. The other brothers had spears to their necks and watched helplessly as Judah stood back up to his feet. He wiped his chin and ran back towards Benjamin. Again. Again he was struck in the head and returned to the floor. Judah lay there on the floor. Joseph did nothing. He watched his older brother desperately try and fight for Benjamin's life. Judah began to weep on the floor. He raised his head and begged at Joseph's feet.

[Judah]

Please have mercy. His life is bound up with my father's life. If we do not return with him, my father's soul will fade into the grave. He will die of grief.

[Joseph]

Why is your father's life a concern of mine?

[Narrator]

Blood dripped down Judah's head as he looked Joseph in the eyes. Joseph had noted something profoundly different in Judah. Something he had not yet noticed.

[Guard]

Pain.

[Narrator]

Years and years of pain. Behind Judah's eyes was the shame of his past sins. It was he who had decided to sell Joseph into slavery. He was the one who had led the brothers against him. Since then, he lived a life of regret and anguish. Judah shook his head and lifted his arms to Joseph. With labored breathing, Judah said, take me instead. Joseph's heart stopped beating when he heard the words fall from Judah's lips.

[Joseph]

What did you say?

[Judah]

Have me remain as a slave on Benjamin's behalf. Let me suffer so he can live.

[Narrator]

Judah, on his knees with his arms stretched outward gave himself up to suffer so the one he loved could live. He would take on the bondage so his brother could go free. At that moment, Joseph knew in his heart that Judah and the rest of his brothers had truly changed. The heart of God had reached them. It was all Joseph needed to hear. Joseph said to his servants and guards, leave us. The guards lowered their spears and departed with the rest of the servants. Then Asenath and her two sons went back into their rooms. Joseph stepped forward to Judah and knelt before him, tears streaming down his cheeks.

[Joseph]

You shall not be a slave.

[Narrator]

Joseph slowly raised his hands and removed his headdress. His brown curls fell across his forehead. He looked at Judah, whose head was held low. The two of them knelt there in silence for a long time. Joseph put his hand on his shoulder and said, it is me.

[Joseph]

I am your brother, Joseph.

[Narrator]

Judah raised his head and looked at him.

[Judah]

Joseph.

[Narrator]

The brothers stood to their feet and looked closer. Before them stood their long lost brother, the one whom they had betrayed and abandoned. Judah's bloodied face trembled at the sight of him.

[Joseph]

Joseph, do not be afraid. You can come near me.

[Narrator]

The brothers came close to Joseph with their heads held low and filled with regret. Seeing their brother's face had initially filled them with joy, but now they felt shame deep within their hearts. The brother they had once sold into slavery was now the second most powerful man in the known world. Yet he knelt before them as an equal with tears and joy in his voice. Joseph lifted Judah to his feet and embraced him. He held his face.

[Joseph]

Look at me, Judah.

[Narrator]

Judah wouldn't. He continued to shake his head in shame.

[Joseph]

Judah, look at everything around you. Egypt is safe from famine because of what God has done. Do not hold your head low in shame. Shame because you sold me here. God sent me here to preserve life. He knew that one day famine would endanger the land and one of us would have to prepare the way to deliverance.

[Narrator]

Judah looked up at Joseph, unable to speak. The brothers were in awe of what Joseph had become. The last time they saw his face, he was a young boy being carted off like an animal. The prideful boy they once hated was now a ruler and filled with the joy of God. Joseph laughed and brought his brothers in close. His heart was overflowing with exultation to the Lord. He held them tight and closed his eyes.

[Joseph]

What you intended for evil, God intended for good.

[Narrator]

Joseph showed mercy to his brothers, mercy that created a cascading effect across generations.

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[Host]

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. This beatitude highlights the importance of mercy in the life of a believer. Mercy involves compassion, forgiveness, and a willingness to overlook offenses. It's about showing kindness to those in need and offering forgiveness to those who have wronged us. Jesus teaches that those who extend mercy will in turn receive mercy from God. Being merciful reflects the character of a heavenly citizen, aligning us with God's nature of compassion and grace. Now let's turn to the Story of Joseph forgiving his brothers found in Genesis 50, 15, 21. This story is a powerful demonstration of mercy and forgiveness. Joseph, sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, endured years of hardship, including imprisonment. Yet through God's providence, he rose to become the second most powerful man in Egypt. And when a famine struck, his brothers came to Egypt seeking food, not recognizing Joseph. Eventually, Joseph revealed his identity to them and forgave them. After their father Jacob's death, the brothers feared Joseph would seek revenge. In Genesis chapter 50, verses 15 through 21, we When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, what if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him? But Joseph said to them, don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good, to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children. And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. Joseph's response is a remarkable example of mercy. Despite the immense suffering his brothers caused him, he chose to forgive them and care for them. His words, you intended to harm me, but God intended it for good show his understanding of God's sovereignty and willingness to let go of vengeance. God has forgiven us a mountain of debt. Although our sins were like scarlet, Christ has washed us white as snow. The crimes others have committed against us pale in comparison to what we've done to God. Yet he forgives us. Forgiving others isn't about condoning what they did, but rather treating them like God treats us. How can we, like Joseph, live out the values of mercy as taught in Matthew, chapter 5, verse 7? First, we must forgive freely. Romans chapter 2, verse 11 tells us that God shows no favoritism. He forgives everyone, from the morally upright citizen to the most debased criminal. If we are to truly forgive as God forgave, then we ought never to show partiality in our forgiveness. Just as Joseph forgave his brothers, we are called to forgive those who wrong us. This doesn't mean ignoring the hurt, but choosing to let go of resentment and offer forgiveness, trusting in God's justice. Next, we are to show compassion. Mercy extends beyond simple forgiveness. It recognizes the hurt, corruption, and bondage it takes for someone to commit such acts of evil. In this way, we see people as lost and in need of guidance rather than villains in need of vanquishing. The next time someone wrongs you, ask what have they gone through? What deep pain have they experienced to make them want to inflict pain on others. Look at people with compassionate eyes and see where sin can give way to transformation. After all, it's when we wash people's feet that we can see why they walk the way they do. Thirdly, we must let go of vengeance. Joseph's refusal to seek revenge teaches us the importance of letting go of vengeance. We must trust that God will handle justice and focus on responding with love and mercy. When we lash out at others in retaliation, all we do is contribute to the never ending cycle of aggression. Break the cycle Next we are called to seek reconciliation. Romans 12 says that as much as it depends on us, we should live peaceably with all people. The key there is as much as it depends on us, we are called to do all we can to seek reconciliation. Some might not want to put forth the same effort, but at least we can say we did all we could. As we reflect on Jesus words, blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy and the story of Joseph forgiving his brothers, let us strive to embody mercy in our lives. May we extend compassion, forgiveness and kindness to others, reflecting the character of Jesus in all we do. Let us pray for the strength to be true citizens of heaven, living out the mercy that we have so graciously received from God. Thanks again for listening. If you haven't yet followed or subscribed to our podcast, be sure to do so. It makes sure you never miss an episode, but it also helps us get discovered by more people. Thanks for joining us.