Series Introduction:

Today marks a shift in our focus away from the life of Jacob to the captivating story of his beloved son, Joseph. In our previous series, we followed Jacob's remarkable journey, one punctuated by a multitude of hardships, ultimately guiding him back to the land of his birth. Through faith in the promises of God, Jacob endured, and the fulfillment of these divine promises began with the birth of his many children.

Yet, as we delve into Jacob's life in the promised land, we discover that it was far from idyllic. Discord, envy, and jealousy found their way into his household. Jacob showed favoritism towards Joseph, his sole child born to his favorite wife, Rachel. This partiality sowed the seeds of resentment and strife among his other children. However, in the midst of this turbulence and the pain caused by sin, Joseph's life stands as a testament to God's guiding hand, able to transform what was meant for evil into something beautiful and good. 

Scripture Reading: 

Genesis 37:3-36, ESV

Opening Prayer:

Heavenly Father, as we gather today to delve into the story of Joseph and his family, we come before You with humble hearts. We recognize the challenges and divisions that can plague our own families, and we seek Your guidance and wisdom. Open our hearts to Your Word. May Your Holy Spirit be with us as we reflect on these lessons and apply them to our own lives. We ask for Your grace to heal the wounds of our families, strengthen our relationships, and help us to walk in unity and love. In the name of Your son, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

Introduction:

Many individuals express deep concern about the state of contemporary family life, citing the alarming rates of divorce and the prevalence of single-parent households. These are undeniably weighty matters that demand our attention. However, as we examine the wreckage left in the wake of broken homes, we must also take a closer look at those homes that, on the surface, may appear intact but, in reality, bear concealed fractures. How many of these seemingly harmonious households can genuinely claim to be bound together by love and serenity, relishing the fullness and delight of their marriages? How many husbands and wives coexist under the same roof while nurturing divisions within their hearts, nursing simmering embers of resentment and discontent? And what about the children in these homes, untouched by the wounds of divorce but carrying the burden of their parents' discord on their young shoulders?

The early life of Joseph serves as a powerful illustration of the importance of addressing these issues within our own homes. However, even as we grapple with the challenges within our families and marriages, we must remain attuned to the hand of God's sovereignty at work. Even in the midst of turmoil, God's providential plan unfolds. Just as God utilized Joseph's experiences of suffering, betrayal, and triumph to prepare him for an extraordinary purpose, so too can He employ our imperfect families for a purpose far greater than what we can presently discern.

Favoritism and Family Division 

Our passage this morning beings by informing us: 

"Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of his old age. And he made him a robe of many colors. 4 But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peacefully to him." 

- Genesis 36:3-4, ESV

Now Jacob's family was no stranger to tension. In the past, Jacob faced many difficulties and challenges, including his tumultuous relationship with his brother Esau, his time spent working for his uncle Laban, and his struggles to build a family and provide for them. Now, as a father and family man, Jacob still struggled to connect with his children, each with unique personalities and interests. 

Among his children, Jacob had a special fondness for Joseph, his youngest son and the only child born to Rachel, his favorite wife. Joseph was a remarkable child with a keen intelligence and a gift for interpreting dreams. Jacob recognized these talents and was proud of his son's abilities. This favoritism resulted in Jacob elevating Joseph's position above that of his older brothers. He appointed Joseph as the overseer of his brothers and entrusted him with significant responsibilities. However, this decision was not well received by his older sons. They felt sidelined and unappreciated, which further fueled the fire of jealousy and hard feelings that had already been simmering within the family. 

This role of supervision was also ill-suited for Joseph, not because of any lack of character on his part, but because he was the youngest among his brothers. His older siblings were rough, unruly, and far from godly. In an account we did not cover, men from Shechem violated their sister Dinah, and the sons of Israel response was to deceive the Shechemites and then slaughter them. This violent action had deeply disturbed their father. As a result, Jacob had difficulty trusting his sons, so he assigned Joseph the responsibility of reporting their actions to him. While it may have been wise to supervise his older children, appointing the youngest brother as a supervisor was not wise.

Jacob's partiality toward Joseph was unmistakable, vividly demonstrated by the magnificent coat of many colors that he bestowed upon him. This robe was not merely a piece of clothing; it was a symbol of authority, a declaration that Joseph was the chosen one, set apart from his brothers. However, as beautiful as that coat may have been, it became a catalyst for jealousy, resentment, and division within the family.

The rich colors of Joseph's coat served as a constant reminder of his elevated status in the eyes of his father, and this only fueled the flames of animosity among his siblings. The seeds of discord were sown, and the consequences were dire. Joseph's brothers, driven by their jealousy, conspired against him, leading to his ultimate sale into slavery, a heartbreaking separation that shook the very foundation of their family.

Favoritism can manifest itself in numerous ways, often quietly, yet its impact can be profound. It may manifest when a parent prioritizes their love for one child over their spouse. It can be evident when parents blatantly show preference for one child over another. Sadly, even adult children can be guilty of favoring one parent over the other, diminishing the unity of the family.

No matter the form favoritism takes, the consequences are consistently detrimental. It becomes a breeding ground for hard feelings, which fester within the hearts of those affected, much like an open wound left untreated. These hard feelings can escalate into bitterness and animosity, eventually tearing at the very fabric of our homes. What was once a sanctuary of love, support, and togetherness becomes fractured, and the rifts can extend for generations. In one sense, it is only natural for people to prefer the company of one person over another, but we must still strive to treat every person with the love, respect, and fairness they deserve. 

Dreams and Discord 

Ultimately, the straw that broke the camel's back came in a dream. 

"Now Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers they hated him even more. He said to them, "Hear this dream that I have dreamed: Behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf arose and stood upright. And behold, your sheaves gathered around it and bowed down to my sheaf." His brothers said to him, "Are you indeed to reign over us? Or are you indeed to rule over us?" So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words. 

- Genesi 37:5-8, ESV

The meaning was crystal clear: Joseph believed that he would one day rule over his brothers. However, Joseph's dreams did not stop there. He had yet another dream. 

Then he dreamed another dream and told it to his brothers and said, "Behold, I have dreamed another dream. Behold, the sun, the moon, and eleven stars were bowing down to me." But when he told it to his father and to his brothers, his father rebuked him and said to him, "What is this dream that you have dreamed? Shall I and your mother and your brothers indeed come to bow ourselves to the ground before you?" And his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the saying in mind. 

- Genesis 37:9-11, ESV

After learning of Joseph's dream, his brothers became increasingly jealous and envious. The division in the family deepened. 

In considering this passage, we are reminded of a vital lesson: though we are a blessed people, we must not be cocky, arrogant, prideful, or haughty toward others. The Lord has undoubtedly poured His grace upon us in countless ways, showering us with His love, guidance, and countless blessings. Yet, even in our privileged position as God's children, we must remain vigilant against the temptation of arrogance. Arrogance is a subtle adversary that can infiltrate our lives, taking root in our hearts when we least expect it. In our moments of pride, we might unintentionally allow the blessings God has graciously bestowed upon us to become stumbling blocks for others.

When we find ourselves placed in a position of power or in a place of abundant blessing, let us heed the words of the Apostle Paul: 

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 

- Philipians 2:3-8, ESV

Joseph Brought Low 

In Genesis 37:12-17, we see that Jacob decides to keep back his beloved son, Joseph, while sending his older sons to graze the livestock in Shechem. Shechem was quite far from their home in Hebron. This distance would expose the brothers to various dangers during their journey. There must have been a famine in the land; otherwise, it did not make sense to send the brothers and their herds so far from home. 

Additionally, in Genesis 34, a passage that we did not cover in the last sermon series, Dinah the daughter of Jacob went out to visit some local women in the land of Shechem. While there, Shechem, a prince of the city, saw her, took her, and violated her. Afterward, he fell in love with Dinah and wanted to marry her. Jacob's sons were understandably furious and deceitful. They agreed to the marriage under one condition: all the men of Shechem must be circumcised. Shechem and the Shechemites agreed to this, believing it would lead to the union. However, while the Shechemite men were recovering from their circumcisions, Simeon and Levi, took advantage of the situation and attacked the city, killing all the men and rescuing their sister. This act of violence and deceit greatly angered Jacob, as it put their family in a precarious position with the neighboring peoples.

Viewed through this context, it is understandable why Jacob did not want his favorite son to go to Shechem with his brothers. His primary aim was to shield his cherished son from harm, which probably upset his brothers even more, seeing as Jacob was not concerned enough to keep them at home.

Israel grew worried about his sons after a considerable amount of time had passed. Despite his initial reluctance, he decided to send Joseph to check on them. Joseph obediently journeyed from Hebron to Shechem, only to find out that his brothers had relocated the herds to Dothan, located approximately twenty miles north of Shechem. 

As Joseph's siblings saw him from afar, they undoubtabley recognized his brightly colored robe that symbolized his privileged position in the family, a position that they were not willing to accept. They felt jealous and resentful towards him, and their taunts, mockery, and the cruel nickname "that dreamer" revealed the intensity of their hostility towards him.

In this remote place, devoid of witnesses, they quickly hatched a scheme to take their brother's life and to deceive their father by claiming a savage beast had devoured him. Reuben, the eldest son, was not willing to shed his own brother's blood. He suggested that instead of killing him, they should just cast Joseph into a pit, from which Reuben intended to rescue him and return him safely to their father after the other brothers had had their fun. 

So, as Joseph drew near, the pounced upon him. They began their cruelty by removing his cherished robe, an attempt to diminish his influence and diminish the lofty pedestal upon which his father had placed him. After they took his robe they cast him into a pit, which not only showcased a visceral, almost animalistic hatred for their own flesh and blood, but also symbolized an emotional and spiritual plunge. While Joseph languished in the pit, suffering and fearing for his life, they heartlessly sat down to eat, displaying a complete disregard for his anguish. Their indifference in the face of his distress serves as a stark reminder of how callous the human heart can become when consumed by jealousy and hatred. 

In Joseph's darkest hour, as he cried out in agony and despair, the brothers noticed a caravan of traders approaching. These traders, whether Ishmaelites or Midianites, were en route to Egypt with their goods. Judah made the cruel suggestion to sell him into slavery instead of ending his life. This decision allowed them to profit from his sale and evade the moral burden associated with murder. The brothers, their hearts now hardened by hatred and greed, negotiated with the traders and sold Joseph for twenty pieces of silver.

As the dust settled, the weight of their actions began to bear down on them. Reuben, absent during the selling of Joseph, returned to the pit, only to find it empty, with Joseph nowhere to be seen. As the eldest son, he understood the gravity of the responsibility that awaited him—the agonizing task of delivering the devastating news to their father, Jacob.

Lies and Loss 

In Genesis 37:31-35, we witness the aftermath of Joseph's brothers' cruel actions. The brothers took Joseph's richly colored coat, dipped it in the blood of a goat, and brought it to Jacob. The deception was cruel, intended to make Jacob believe that Joseph had met a tragic end at the hands of a wild animal. Jacob, upon seeing the bloodied coat, was stricken with grief and despair. He immediately recognized it as Joseph's garment and concluded that a beast had devoured his beloved son. 

In his anguish, Jacob tore his own clothes and donned sackcloth, a symbol of mourning in that era. He fell into a prolonged period of grief so intense that it alarmed those around him. His children tried their best to console him, to offer comfort and support, but Jacob rejected their attempts at solace. The grief was so overwhelming that Jacob insisted he would mourn Joseph's loss until the day he died and was reunited with his son in the grave. 

The brothers had hoped that, by disposing of Joseph and deceiving their father, they would become favored themselves. However, this moment marked the beginning of a deeper chasm of alienation between Jacob and his sons. It was a division sown by deception and lies, and it would have long-lasting consequences. This extended period of mourning and sorrow only served to deepen the sense of alienation and division within the family.

Conclusion:

Biblical scholar Henry Morris, beautifully describes the multifaceted ways in which God was working all things together for good. Joseph, with his youthful pride and arrogance, needed to learn humility and patience, vital virtues for the significant role God had prepared for him. Likewise, Joseph's brothers needed to be brought to repentance and spiritual maturity, crucial qualities for the patriarchs of the tribes of Israel. They had to understand the dire consequences of their sin and experience the depths of confession and humility.

But God's providence extended even further. The nation that would emerge from Jacob's sons would have to undergo suffering and divine deliverance to develop unwavering faith in God, obedience to His laws, and trust in His promises. All these trials, tribulations, and triumphs were integral elements of God's plan for His people.

In reflecting on this portion of Joseph's life, we are reminded of the magnanimous mercy of our God. He doesn't discard us when we sin grievously, nor does He cast us aside when we fall short. Our heavenly Father, in His boundless mercy and grace, forgives us and continues to work all things out for our good.

God's sovereignty is at work in the lives of every believer. He guides our steps, shapes our character, and fulfills His purposes through us. God promises to exalt His servants, but they must often face great humiliations and sufferings first. This was the case for Joseph, as it would later be for Jesus Christ. These experiences test our faith, but we can look back to those who suffered before us, especially the Son of God, and find hope that God has a plan for us.

The knowledge of God's sovereignty should fill our hearts with gratitude and reassurance. In Romans 8:28, we are reminded: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

As we face trials, tribulations, and setbacks, we must hold fast to the assurance that God is in control. The events that unfold in our lives, whether joyful or challenging, are part of a greater divine plan. Our part is to trust in Him, seek His guidance, and faithfully follow His path.

Closing Prayer:

Gracious Lord, we thank you for the insights and wisdom we have gained from Joseph's story and the lessons on favoritism and division within families. As we conclude this time of reflection, we pray for your continued guidance in our lives. Help us to recognize and address the issues within our families, and grant us the strength to mend what is broken, to seek forgiveness, and to extend love and grace. May your providence be evident in our lives as we trust in your sovereignty and embrace the lessons of humility and patience. In our daily journey, may we walk in the light of your love, ever mindful of your plan for us. We offer this prayer in the name of Jesus, our Savior. Amen.