JOSEPH RESPONDED TO THE CALL OF SERVICE
Christian Religion Studies: JSS1
Topic: Joseph Responded To Call To Service. (Genesis 37:12-36)
Learning Objectives : At the end of the lesson students should be able to
Explain how Joseph responded to call to service and the lesson learned
CONTENT:
THE EARLY LIFE OF JOSEPH. (Gen : 37 12-36)
Joseph happen to be one of the twelve sons of Jacob. Jacob loved him more than any other of his sons. He made him a robe of many colours, and this led to his brothers hating him the more. This hatred grew stronger when Joseph began to tell his brothers about his dreams. In his first dream, the sons of Jacob were in the field binding corn, then eleven corn sheaves all bowed down to Joseph’s own. In his second dream, the sun, moon and stars all bowed to him. This was interpreted by Joseph’s brothers as his plan to reign over them. The result of this led to more hatred from his brothers. Joseph Responded To Call Service (Gen 37:1-36)
JOSEPH AND HIS BROTHERS
Joseph faithfully served his father, tending to the flocks alongside his brothers from the age of sixteen. One day, his father sent him to deliver food to his brothers who were supposed to be in Shechem. However, unable to find them there, Joseph continued his search and eventually located them in Dothan. Unfortunately, his brothers betrayed him, selling him to Ishmaelite traders for twenty pieces of silver. These traders took Joseph to Egypt, where he was sold as a slave to Potiphar.
Despite the adversity he faced, Joseph’s story took a positive turn in Egypt. Potiphar’s wife became infatuated with Joseph and persistently tried to seduce him. However, Joseph remained steadfast in his loyalty to his master. Unhappy with Joseph’s rejection, Potiphar’s wife falsely accused him of sexual assault, leading to Joseph being thrown into prison.
Even in prison, Joseph continued to maintain his faith and integrity. Rather than responding with bitterness, he honored God through his actions. Despite his circumstances as a slave and prisoner, Joseph’s faith in God proved steadfast. Eventually, God intervened, enabling Joseph to excel and rise to a prominent position.
In this leadership role, God provided Joseph with an opportunity to cultivate humility and integrity. Despite the betrayals and hardships he faced, Joseph’s unwavering faith and commitment to God ultimately led him to a position of influence and growth.
JOSEPH BECOMES A GOVERNOR IN EGYPT
In the biblical story found in Genesis 41:1-57 and 45:1-15, Joseph’s journey to becoming a governor in Egypt explain as follows:
Genesis 41:1-57:
- Dream Interpretation: Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, had troubling dreams. Joseph, who was in prison at that time, was known for his ability to interpret dreams. Hearing about Joseph’s skill, Pharaoh summoned him to interpret his dreams, which were about seven fat cows being devoured by seven lean cows and seven healthy ears of grain consumed by seven withered ears.
- God-Given Wisdom: Through divine insight, Joseph interpreted the dreams as a prediction of seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. He advised Pharaoh to appoint a wise and discerning person to oversee the storage of grain during the years of plenty to prepare for the impending famine.
- Joseph’s Promotion: Impressed by Joseph’s wisdom, Pharaoh recognized him as the one with the spirit of God and appointed him as the governor of Egypt. Joseph was given authority over the entire land, second only to Pharaoh himself. He was tasked with implementing a plan to store food during the years of abundance, ensuring the survival of the people during the famine.
Genesis 45:1-15:
- Revelation of Identity: As the famine spread, Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt seeking food. Unaware that Joseph was now a powerful figure in Egypt, they appeared before him. Overcome with emotion, Joseph revealed his identity to his astonished brothers.
- Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Rather than seeking revenge, Joseph forgave his brothers for their past betrayal. He acknowledged that God had orchestrated the events for a greater purpose – to preserve life during the famine. Joseph urged his brothers to bring their father, Jacob, and the entire family to Egypt, where they would be provided for.
- Restoration of Family: Joseph’s compassion and forgiveness led to the reconciliation of his family. Pharaoh even endorsed the idea of Joseph’s family settling in the best part of the land. Joseph, now a symbol of divine providence, played a crucial role in preserving his family and many others during the challenging times.
In summary, Joseph became a governor in Egypt through his God-given wisdom in interpreting dreams, his effective management during times of abundance and famine, and his ability to forgive and reconcile with his brothers, ultimately leading to the preservation and flourishing of his family and the Egyptian people.
Joseph Responded To Call Service (Gen 37:1-36)
EVALUATION/ASSIGNMENT
- Why was Joseph hated by his brothers?
- How did Joseph become a slave in Egypt?
TAKE HOME ASSIGNMENT
- Joseph was the ……… child of Jacob (a) eighth (b) eleventh (c) twelve (d) first
- How many women gave birth to children for Jacob? (a) 2 (b) 3 (c) 4 (d) 6
- Joseph demonstrated all these gifts except (a) dreaming (b) interpretation of dreams
(c) leadership (d) singing
- What was the name of Joseph’s younger brother? (a) Dan (b) Judah (c) Benjamin
(d) Naphtali
- Who made Joseph the Governor in Egypt? (a) the butler (b) the baker (c) Pharaoh
(d) Portiphar
PART B
- Discuss the challenges of Joseph in his father’s house.
- Highlight the mistakes of the brothers of Joseph
JSS 2 CRS: The Parable of Jesus
