What would be their thoughts when he said, “I am Joseph”? Can you imagine their astonishment? What a change of mind! Every thought in their hearts would be turned. The very Joseph whom they had cast into the pit, of whom they had long spoken as dead, now alive again, now before them, lord of all Egypt. They could not speak; they were troubled; and well they might be at his presence. Justice could have demanded their lives, but, in grace, “Joseph said, ‘Please come near to me.” And Jesus says, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” The Joseph who was as dead is alive, and makes himself known. This gives them the true change of mind about Joseph.

Oh! How like the revelation of the dead and risen Christ to Saul of Tarsus; the one was as sudden as the other. Saul was on his murderous mission to Damascus, his heart filled with hatred to the name and followers of Jesus. Suddenly a light above the brightness of the sun shines round about him; a voice speaks, and says, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” Astounded at these words, Saul replies, “Who art You, Lord?” And He said, “I am Jesus.”

Joseph said to his brethren, “I am Joseph.” Jesus said to Saul, “I am Jesus”; and the effect was the same. The moment Saul heard those few words, “I am Jesus,” every thought in his heart was turned. It was the revelation of the living Joseph that changed their minds; it is the revelation of the risen Jesus that alone gives the true change of mind not to be repented of.