KJV Genesis 44:12 “The cup was found in Benjamin’s sack.”
NASB Genesis 44:12 “The cup was found in Benjamin’s sack.”
KJV John 18:11 “The cup which My Father hath given Me, shall I not drink it”
NASB John 18:11 “The cup which the Father has given Me, shall I not drink it?”
In these two mentions of “the cup,” both contrasts and similarities can be found.
Innocent vs. Holy
In the case of Benjamin, the cup was found in the sack of the only brother innocent of the crimes against Joseph. By contrast, the Lord Jesus was not only innocent, but He was also holy. He was also the One sinned against by the remainder of the human family.
Ignorance vs. Knowledge
As Benjamin and his brothers began their return journey to their father, he had no knowledge that the cup of guilt was in his sack. Shock and surprise were manifested when the cup was discovered in his belongings. But the Lord Jesus knew the cup was His to drink. He knew it moving to the Garden; He knew it when coming into the world; He knew it when framing the world; He knew it from all eternity. Yet He made the world. He came, and He went forth (John 18:4).
No unforeseen event,
E’re took Him by surprise
Toward the cross with fixed intent,
He moved with opened eyes.”
—Isaac Ewen
Release vs. Death
The cup was found in Benjamin’s sack, but he never endured the potential punishment that the discovery entailed. The Lord Jesus was given a cup, and He endured a punishment freely for us, a punishment of which He was not worthy.
Joseph, in grace to his brothers, not only released Benjamin from culpability but also forgave his brothers.
The Lord Jesus, by taking the cup, has been able to show grace to us, forgiving, redeeming, and reconciling us to God.
Intercessor vs. None
When Benjamin faced the possibility of the consequences for having the “cup,” Judah eloquently and movingly interceded on his behalf. In stark contrast, as the Lord Jesus neared the cross, Peter denied Him, and the ten deserted Him. No voice was raised in His defence or to plead for mercy. Rejected by all the nation, He went to Calvary to drink the cup.
Consider:
The cup suggests a measured and contained amount of suffering. Can you link that with “It is finished?”
Once the Lord Jesus took the cup of
punishment for sinful mankind, no other work remained. HE drank the cup of wrath completely.
I was first made aware of these details when I was still in my teens. Now I’m in my mid eighties! I was reading these details this morning. They are still very precious to me. They thrill my soul and cause my heart to sing and worship! Thank you brother!
Thanks brother, for the rich contrasts with the Incomparable Christ!
Our Saviour as Benoni(son of my sorrow)…The Man of Sorrows drank the bitter Cup and Finished the work yet as Benjamin(son of my right hand)…The exalted Christ, seated on the right hand of the majesty on High.
We bow in holy adoration to the Man in Glory, our heavenly Benjamin!