The sons of Jacob (minus Benjamin) travel to Egypt for grain.  Several sources place the location of Joseph in the Lower Egypt delta area. (Lower Egypt is actually in the north and Upper Egypt is in the south - the Nile River runs south to north.)  This was several hundred miles from Jacob's  home, not an easy journey.  Most likely they traveled near the Mediterranean Sea and down to Egypt. 

What must Joseph have thought when he saw the fulfillment of his dream of sheaves bowing down as his brothers bowed down before him?

Joseph didn't make things easy on his brothers when they came for grain.  After returning to their home, Jacob's sons must explain to their father why his son Simeon is not with them.  What is the significance of Reuben offering both his sons as “hostage” in the situation concerning the return of Benjamin?  Could it be that if Reuben's sons were killed, then Reuben would suffer as Jacob suffered at the loss of Benjamin and Joseph?

Apparently Jacob hadn't planned on sending his sons back to Egypt for Simeon.  It wasn't until the famine continued and they needed more grain that he sent them on a return trip.  This time they took some of the best products of the land.  These products came from trees that weren't as affected by the famine as other crops were.

Wonder what the brothers thought when Joseph seated them in order of their birth? It says they were astonished. And what's this with Joseph giving Benjamin five times as much food?

Judah presents himself as a protector of Benjamin. It is the beginning of the alliance with Judah and Benjamin as together they will later be known as the Jews.

Judah’s character surfaces once again as he offers himself in place of Benjamin (a foreshadowing of Jesus’ offer). His willingness to defend Benjamin, to honor his father, and be willing to substitute himself is another reason the line of the Messiah comes through Judah.

Gen 45:8b 
And He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler over all the land of Egypt. Notice in the above verse it says "He has made me a father to Pharaoh", MKJV

That little word "a" is left out in the NIV.  Speculation is that by this time Pharaoh is dead and his son has taken his place. However, Joseph  maintains his position in the kingdom. 

When Joseph reveals his true identity to his brothers, he tells them to return for their father and bring him to Egypt to live in the region of Goshen.  This area was primo territory, lush with streams and tributaries running from the Mediterranean Sea to the Nile River. 

Great verse hidden away in today's reading -
Gen 45:8a 
"So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God."

How often in our lives can we look at bad things that happen to us and yet see the hand of God at work? Maybe, it's time to stop and reflect.