Life Lessons from Hebrews: Joseph

Hebrews 11:22

Joseph is one of the most important figures in the Old Testament. Read Genesis 37–50. His life story focuses strongly on dreams, trials, suffering, forgiveness, and God’s sovereign plan. Joseph’s life shows how God can use even human sin and injustice to accomplish His purpose.

1. Background on Joseph
   1. Parents: Joseph was the son of Jacob (also called Israel) and Rachel.
   2. Special position: He was Jacob’s favourite son, because he was the son of his beloved wife Rachel and was also born later in Jacob’s life.
   3. Coat of many colours: Jacob gave Joseph a special coat, which fuelled his brothers’ jealousy.
   4. Dreams: Joseph received dreams that indicated his family would one day bow before him. He shared these dreams with his brothers, which deepened their anger and hatred.
2. Family and Conflict
   1. Brothers’ jealousy: Joseph’s brothers hated him because of Jacob’s favouritism and Joseph’s dreams.
   2. Sold as a slave: They eventually sold him to traders who took him to Egypt.
   3. Deception of Jacob: Jacob was led to believe that Joseph had been killed by a wild animal.
   4. In Egypt: Joseph first worked as a slave, then was unjustly imprisoned, but later rose through God’s gift of dream interpretation to a high position under Pharaoh.
3. Highs and Lows in Joseph’s Life (Schematic)
   1. Lows
      1. Rejected and betrayed by his brothers
      2. Cast into a pit
      3. Sold as a slave
      4. Unjustly accused by Potiphar’s wife
      5. Forgotten in prison
   2. Highs
      1. God’s presence in Potiphar’s house
      2. Favour in prison
      3. Interpretation of dreams
      4. Appointed as viceroy of Egypt
      5. Saved many people from famine
      6. Reconciliation with his brothers

The Role of Family in Joseph’s Life

1. Source of pain
   1. Joseph’s own family, especially his brothers, were the cause of his greatest suffering by betraying and selling him.
2. Source of calling and reconciliation
   1. Joseph’s dreams were directly related to his family and they were central to God’s plan for his life.
   2. During the famine his brothers came to Egypt to seek food. Without recognising him, Joseph tested them.
   3. Forgiveness and restoration
      1. Joseph finally revealed himself to his brothers and forgave them.
      2. He brought his entire family to Egypt to save them from the famine.
      3. His famous words sum it all up: “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” (Genesis 50:20)

Joseph as a Hero of Faith in Hebrews 11:22

“By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.”

Joseph is remembered in Hebrews 11 not for his success or his dreams, but for his faith in God’s promises at the end of his life. Although he died in Egypt in honour and power, he believed that God would deliver His people and take them to the Promised Land. Therefore he commanded that his bones be taken along when Israel left Egypt — an act of faith fulfilled approximately 400 years later.

Core messages from Joseph’s story

1. Forgiveness is possible even after deep betrayal.
2. God can use difficult circumstances for a greater purpose.
3. Family can both hurt and heal.
4. Faithfulness and integrity are ultimately rewarded.
5. True faith trusts God’s promises, even when they are not immediately fulfilled.

Read Genesis concerning Joseph and complete the schematic representation based on the highs and lows of his life. Name only the events.

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