Sketch of Joseph (Preaching, Sermon on Joseph), the story
1. When we think of “the patriarchs”, the following may come to mind:
b) Isaac, son of promise
c) Jacob, father of the twelve tribes of Israel
2. However, consider this about the patriarch Joseph
a) Joseph is given more space in Genesis than the others
b) There is not a single word of reproach against José
3. In fact, the character of Joseph is worthy of careful study.
a) The nobility of character of Joseph, his purity of heart and life
Let’s review the life of Joseph and remember the wonderful character displayed by this man of God. We start with Joseph as a son in Canaan.
I. JOSEPH AS A SON IN CANAAN
A. JOSÉ IS HATED BY HIS BROTHERS, WHO CALL HIM JOSÉ THE DREAMER
1. The fact that Joseph informed his father of the bad reputation of his brothers did not help him but made his situation difficult before his brothers- Genesis 37: 2
2. His father’s favoritism certainly hurt his brothers, for Israel loved Joseph more than all his brothers – Genesis 37:3-4
3. Joseph told his brothers his dreams and, because of his dreams, they came to hate him even more – Genesis 37: 5-11
4. Eventually Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery for thirty pieces of silver, he was later sold in Egypt where he was sold to Potiphar, Pharaoh’s officer, captain of the guard – Genesis 37:12-36
a) Joseph was initially saved by Reuben who intended to free him – Genesis 37:21-22
b) Then Joseph was saved from death by his brother Judah, who suggested slavery instead of his death – Genesis 37: 26-27
B. JOSEPH WAS FAITHFUL TO HIS FATHER
1. Some children rebel against their parents to gain the approval of their siblings.
2. Joseph remained faithful to his father, willing to obey his wishes – Genesis 37:13
One might think that the mistreatment that José received from his brothers and the separation from his land or country where he lived, separation from his relatives and family, could produce bitterness and hopelessness in such a young man. Joseph’s character continues to shine even while he is a slave in Egypt.
II. JOSEPH AS A SLAVE IN EGYPT
A. JOSEPH AS ADMINISTRATOR IN THE HOUSE OF POTIPHAR
1. Blessed by God, Joseph found grace in the eyes of Potiphar – Genesis 39:1-6
a) Although Joseph was young, he proved to be hardworking and trustworthy.
b) Joseph did the best in this situation in which he found himself, God blessed Joseph and Potiphar
2. Joseph was beautiful in appearance and, for this reason, he was tempted by Potiphar’s wife – Genesis 39:6b-20
a) Potiphar’s wife tries over and over again to seduce Joseph
b) Joseph resisted, out of fidelity to Potiphar and God – Genesis 39: 8-9
c) Potiphar’s wife is rejected by Joseph, she unjustly accuses him with rancor. This upsets Potiphar and as a result, Joseph is sent to jail.
B. JOSEPH AS OVERSEE IN PHARAOH’S PRISON
1. Blessed by God, Joseph is favored by the prison keeper – Genesis 39:21-23
a) José is placed in charge of the other prisoners, with complete confidence
b) Joseph was prospered by God in his new role in jail, God was with him
2. José interprets dreams, he is forgotten for a while, but later he is remembered -Genesis 40:1-41:36
a) José interprets the dreams of the butler and the baker
1) Joseph acknowledges God as the interpreter – Genesis 40:8
2) The dreams that Joseph interpreted were fulfilled, but Joseph was forgotten – Genesis 40:20-23
b) Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dreams
1) Joseph again acknowledges that God provides the answer – Genesis 41:16,25,32
2) José offers advice on the fulfillment of dreams and what should be done in that situation – Genesis 41:33-36
Joseph was falsely accused, then forgotten by the man. Many might ask, “Why bother being fair?” But Joseph kept his integrity and was not forgotten by God. Just as Joseph found favor in the eyes of Potiphar and the prison keeper, he also found favor with Pharaoh.
III. JOSEPH AS PRINCE IN EGYPT
A. JOSEPH WAS WISE IN HIS SERVICE TO PHARAOH
1. At the age of thirty, Joseph is exalted to rule Egypt – Genesis 41:38-46
2. His wisdom was manifested in his administration
a) Joseph showed foresight during years of plenty – Genesis 41:47-49
b) Joseph showed cunning during the years of famine – Genesis 41:53-57; 47:13-26
3. Joseph was aware of God’s blessings – cf. Genesis 41:50-52
B. JOSEPH WAS MERCIFUL IN HIS TREATMENT WITH HIS BROTHERS
1. Joseph was finally reunited with his brothers and father – Genesis 42:1-45:15
2. Joseph arranged for them to live in Goshen – Genesis 46:16-20, 28-34; 47:1-12
3. Joseph assured his brothers that he had forgiven them.
a) When Joseph first revealed himself to them – Genesis 45:4-8
b) When his father Jacob died – Genesis 50: 15-21
C. JOSEPH BELIEVES IN THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD
1. Joseph believed that despite all the negative things that had happened to him, God had a plan and that is why everything turned out for the best, to keep many people alive – Genesis 50:20
2. Joseph believed that God would keep the promises he made to his people – Genesis 50:24-25
CONCLUSION
1. In the life and story of Joseph, we see the value of a great character
a) Joseph focused on faith and trust in God
b) Joseph was a young man dedicated to serving God and man with honor and seriousness.
c) Joseph was not deterred by hatred, betrayal and forgetfulness of others
d) Joseph was willing to forgive mistakes made by others.
e) Joseph was able to see the big picture, the wonderful works of God in the affairs of men
2. This noble character of José can be useful in all seasons of life
a) As a young man, tempted and tested without the help of family or friends.
b) As a mature individual, entrusted with important responsibilities.
c) As an elderly person, knowing that death is imminent
May the character of Joseph serve to inspire us to develop our character as well, that somehow we too can be an example to believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4: 12) This is certainly the case with the patriarch Joseph!