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Sunday School Lesson

Lesson for Nov. 4, 2007: Joseph Is Mistreated (Genesis 37)

Jason Rodenbeck

 

This week’s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for November 4, 2007) is written by Jason Rodenbeck who serves as the senior minister at Castle Christian Church in Cumming, Georgia.


Joseph Is Mistreated (Genesis 37)

About a year before tennis champion Arthur Ashe died of complications from AIDS, which he contracted from a blood transfusion, an interviewer asked if the horrible disease was the greatest burden he had ever had to bear. Ironically, he replied that the disease was nothing compared to the rejection and pain he had endured as a black man in the face of racial prejudice. To Ashe, the only thing worse than his sickness was the hate and persecution he had received from other people.

Why would anyone make such a statement? Perhaps it is because all people need positive relationships. It is hardwired into us by God, who created us for authentic community. Yet, most of us daily feel the sting of personal rejection. We’ve all been deeply wounded by the actions of coworkers, fellow students, church members, or neighbors. Those wounds are even deeper when they’re inflicted by someone close—like friends or family.

In Genesis 37, Joseph endures one of the most dysfunctional moments any family in the Bible experiences. Imagine being attacked, thrown into a pit, and sold into slavery by your own siblings! How could his brothers do this? Here are some of the contributing factors:

They Are Jealous of Joseph’s Position
Jacob’s family legacy is not a very healthy one. His father, Isaac, played favorites with his sons—preferring Esau, the eldest. Perhaps this is one reason why the writer of Genesis reports that Jacob prefers his youngest son—the one born to him in his old age. Whatever the reason, Jacob’s preference of Joseph is evident in his gift of a colorful robe (v. 3). There is no question Jacob, in his extravagant love for his youngest son, actually singles out Joseph for scorn in the eyes of his brothers. Jacob’s favoritism causes a great deal of family tension!

To top it off, Joseph doesn’t seem aware that his father’s favor hurts his brothers. When he approaches his brothers with a message from their father (12-17), he is wearing the robe his father has given him (v. 23). Were he more observant of his brothers’ pain, perhaps their jealousy and hatred toward him would ease.

Our blessings may rub salt in the wounds of those going without! When good things happen to us, when we receive favor in our lives, it is a good idea to remember the suffering of others, and work to ease it (Luke 14:7-22; James 1:27). If we have plenty to eat, we should share food with those who do not. In broader terms, though God is not unfair in his favor (grace) as Jacob is, our job as Christians is to extend that favor by introducing others to Jesus Christ, the person through whom they can experience that favor for themselves!

They Are Hurt by Joseph’s Judgment
Though Joseph certainly doesn’t deserve the treatment he receives, he doesn’t make his situation any easier. Verse 2 indicates that after Joseph works with his brothers, he “brought a bad report to his father.” Apparently something about their work or behavior isn’t ideal. Whatever the case, Joseph rats them out! We don’t know if Joseph tries to help his brothers correct their behavior—but we do know his brothers hate him! Though his brothers may merit judgment, they perceive Joseph to be judgmental.

Similarly, sometimes Christians try to indict society rather than minister to it. We become obsessed with what is wrong with society and love to point out the corruption of our culture, as if we expect non-Christians to behave like Christians. But Paul teaches that we are not to judge culture at large as we do the church (1 Corinthians 5:12). Our job is not to indict the world for not being Christian, but actually to help the world become Christian. Rather than judging those outside of Christ and pushing them away, our role is to love and serve society in order to introduce sinners to the one who can save them from their sin.

They Are Offended by Joseph’s Message
I’ve always wondered if a contemporary psychologist would conclude that Joseph’s dreams reveal a narcissistic personality disorder! Though his dreams are clearly messages that God has big plans for Joseph, the brothers don’t take the messages well. Joseph isn’t lying about the dreams and he certainly does nothing wrong in talking about them. But his brothers are still offended.

As Christians, we must remember that the world isn’t going to like our message, either. Though we temper the message of repentance with love and compassion, the gospel is not an easy doctrine to swallow! In fact, the Bible promises that, if we are faithful, we will be persecuted for our faith (John 15:20; 2 Corinthians 12:10). It’s going to happen.

When it does, take comfort! After the apostles are flogged for preaching, they leave rejoicing that “they were counted worthy to be dishonored” for Jesus (Acts 5:41)! And Jesus once said, “If the world hates you, understand that it hated me before it hated you” (John 15:18). When you are persecuted for sharing the message, take comfort—you are in good company!

Follow-up
No doubt Joseph is unfairly mistreated, though some care on his part might have made things a little easier for him. If we live faithfully as Christians, we can be confident we will also undergo persecution. Sometimes it is brought about because of our own mistakes. But sometimes we will suffer for doing the right thing; and any kind of mistreatment—whether physical, financial, or verbal—can have devastating effects. The important thing is to remember God will not forget us! He loves us, supports us, and has the power to use the suffering we endure for a higher purpose.

________

* All Scripture quotations are from the New International Version, unless otherwise indicated. 

HOME DAILY BIBLE READINGS

Oct. 29: Genesis 37:1-4

Oct. 30: Genesis 37:5-11

Oct. 31: Genesis 37:12-17

Nov. 1: Genesis 37:18-24

Nov. 2: Genesis 37:25-28

Nov. 3: Genesis 37:29-36

Nov. 4: Psalm 70

ABOUT THE LESSON WRITER: Jason Rodenbeck serves as senior minister with Castle Christian Church in Cumming, Georgia. He holds a BA in biblical research and an MA contemporary theology from Lincoln (Illinois) Christian Seminary. He and his wife, Stacie, have two children, Christian and Grace. He enjoys reading, movies, tennis, blogging, and is especially fond of discussing theology with his friends.

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Lesson for Oct. 28, 2007: Esau and Jacob Reconciled (Genesis 33)
Lesson for Oct. 21, 2007: Jacob and Rachel (Genesis 29)
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Lesson for Oct. 7, 2007: Esau and Jacob as Rivals (Genesis 25:19-34)
Lesson for Sept. 30, 2007: Isaac and Rebekah (Genesis 24)
Lesson for Sept. 23, 2007: Abraham, Hagar, and Ishmael (Genesis 21:9-21)
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Lesson for Aug. 19, 2007: Committed to Returning to God (Zechariah 1:1-6; 7:8-14)
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Lesson for Aug. 5, 2007: Committed to Hope Even in Pain (2 Kings 25:1, 2, 5-7)
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Lesson for June 24, 2007: Committed to Seeking God (Isaiah 55:1-11)
Lesson for June 17, 2007: Committed to True Worship (Isaiah 1:10-20)
Lesson for June 10, 2007: Recommitted to God's Ways (Hosea 4:1-4; 7:1, 2; 12:6-9; 14:1)
Lesson for June 3, 2007: Committed to Justice (Amos 5:10-24)
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Lesson for May 20, 2007: Living in God's Presence (Revelation 21:9-11; 21:22--22:5)
Lesson for May 13, 2007: Finding a Home in Heaven (Revelation 21:1-8)
Lesson for May 6, 2007: Taking Our Place at the Table (Revelation 19:1-10)
Lesson for April 29, 2007: Christ Is Our Protection (Revelation 7:1-3, 9-17)
Lesson for April 22, 2007: Christ Is Able to Redeem (Revelation 5:1-5, 8-14)
Lesson for April 15, 2007: Christ Is Worthy of Praise (Revelation 4)
Lesson for April 8, 2007: Christ Is Risen (Revelation 1:12, 17, 18; John 20:11-16, 30, 31)
Lesson for April 1, 2007: Christ Is King (Revelation 1:8; Luke 19:28-38)
Lesson for March 25, 2007: The Way to Love (1 John 5:1-12)
Lesson for March 18, 2007: The Source of Love (1 John 4:7-21)
Lesson for March 11, 2007: The Test of Love (1 John 3:1, 2, 11-24)
Lesson for March 4, 2007: The Light of Love (1 John 2:7-17)
Lesson for Feb. 25, 2007: I Am the True Vine (June 15:1-17)
Lesson for Feb. 18, 2007: I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:1-14)
Lesson for Feb. 11, 2007: I Am the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:1-7, 17-27)
Lesson for Feb. 4, 2007: I Am the Good Shepherd (John 10:1-18)
Lesson for Jan. 28, 2007: I Am the Light of the World (John 8:12-20; 12:44-46)
Lesson for Jan. 21, 2007: Jesus Is the Bread of Life and Living Water (John 6:34-40; 7:37-39)
Lesson for Jan. 14, 2007: Jesus Is Authority and Judge (John 5:19-29)
Lesson for Jan. 7, 2007: I Am From Above (John 8:31-38; 48-56, 59)
Lesson for Dec. 31, 2006: Humiliation and Exaltation (Philippians 2:1-11)
Lesson for Dec. 24, 2006: The Word Became Flesh (John 1:1-18)
Lesson for Dec. 17, 2006: Light That Conquers (1 John 1:1-2:6)
Lesson for Dec. 10, 2006: What God Says About Jesus (Hebrews 1:1-9)
Lesson for Dec. 3, 2006: Who Is Jesus Christ? (Colossians 1:15-23)
Lesson for Nov. 26, 2006: God Offers Return and Restoration (2 Chronicles 36:22, 23; Ezra 1:5-7)
Lesson for Nov. 19, 2006: The People Go Into Exile (2 Chronicles 36:15-21; Psalm 137)
Lesson for Nov. 12, 2006: Josiah Brings Reform (2 Kings 22, 23)
Lesson for Nov. 5, 2006: Elijah Triumphs with God (1 Kings 18:20-39)
Lesson for Oct. 29, 2006: God Grants Wisdom to Solomon (1 Kings 3)
Lesson for Oct. 22, 2006: God Makes a Covenant with David (2 Samuel 7:8-17)
Lesson for Oct. 15, 2006: God Answers the Prayer of Samuel (1 Samuel 7:3-13)
Lesson for Oct. 8, 2006: God Leads Through Deborah (Judges 4:4-10, 12-16)
Lesson for Oct. 1, 2006: God Sends Judges (Judges 2:6-23)
Lesson for Sept. 24, 2006: Covenant Renewed (Joshua 42)
Lesson for Sept. 17, 2006: God's Covenant With Israel (Exodus 19:1-6; 24:3-8)
Lesson for Sept. 10, 2006: God's Covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17)
Lesson for Sept. 3, 2006: God's Covenant with Noah (Genesis 9:1-17)
Lesson for Aug. 27, 2006: Giving Sufficient Grace (2 Corinthians 12:1-10)
Lesson for Aug. 20, 2006: Giving Is a Witness (2 Corinthians 9:1-15)
Lesson for Aug. 13, 2006: Giving Generously (2 Corinthians 8:1-15)
Lesson for Aug. 6, 2006: Giving Forgiveness (2 Corinthians 2:5-11; 7:2-15)
Lesson for July 30, 2006: Called to Love (1 Corinthians 13)
Lesson for July 23, 2006: Called to the Common Good (1 Corinthians 12:1-13)
Lesson for July 16, 2006: Called to Win the Race (1 Corinthians 9:24--10:13)
Lesson for July 9, 2006: Protect the Weak From Stumbling (1 Corinthians 8:1-13)
Lesson for July 2, 2006: Called to Relationships (1 Corinthians 7)
Lesson for June 25, 2006: Serving Faithfully (1 Corinthians 4:1-13)
Lesson for June 18, 2006: Serving Together (1 Corinthians 3:1-15)
Lesson for June 11, 2006: Serving with Spiritual Wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:1-16)
Lesson for June 4, 2006: Serving in Unity (1 Corinthians 1:10-17)
Lesson for May 28, 2006: Living Out Wisdom (Proverbs 31)
Lesson for May 21, 2006: Follow the Path of Integrity (Proverbs 11)
Lesson for May 14, 2006: Accept Wisdom's Invitation (Proverbs 8, 9)
Lesson for May 7, 2006: Seek Wisdom (Proverbs 2:1-5; 3:1-6, 13-18)
Lesson for April 30, 2006: Living in God's Time (Ecclesiastes 3)
Lesson for April 23, 2006: Finding Life's Meaning (Ecclesiastes 1:1-11; John 20:19-23)
Lesson for April 16, 2006: God Gives Life (Job 38:1-4, 16, 17; 42:1-6; Mark 16)
Lesson for April 9, 2006: Searching for Hope (Job 14:1, 2, 11-17; 32:6, 8; 34:12; 37:14, 22)
Lesson for April 2, 2006: Responding to Tragedy (Job 1-3)
Lesson for March 26, 2006: Sing Praise to the Creator (Psalm 145)
Lesson for March 19, 2006: God Created and Knows Us (Psalm 139)
Lesson for March 12, 2006: God Created Wonderful Things (Psalm 104)
Lesson for March 5, 2006: God Made Us Special (Psalm 8)
Lesson for Feb. 26, 2006: Live and Teach the Truth (Titus 2)
Lesson for Feb. 19, 2006: Follow a Good Mentor (2 Timothy 3, 4)
Lesson for Feb. 12, 2006: Develop Christian Character (2 Timothy 2)
Lesson for Feb. 5, 2006: Be True to Your Christian Heritage (2 Timothy 1)
Lesson for Jan. 29, 2006: Practice Justice and Mercy (1 Timothy 5)
Lesson for Jan. 22, 2006: Teach for Godliness (1 Timothy 4)
Lesson for Jan. 15, 2006: Calling Godly Leaders (1 Timothy 3)
Lesson for Jan. 8, 2006: Pray for Everyone (1 Timothy 2)
Lesson for Jan. 1, 2006: Rely on God's Strength (1 Timothy 1:12-20)
Lesson for Dec. 25, 2005: Good News for the World (Isaiah 61:1-3; Luke 2:8-20)
Lesson for Dec. 18, 2005: Hope for the Suffering (Isaiah 53; Luke 1)
Lesson for Dec. 11, 2005: Strength for the Weary (Isaiah 49, 50)
Lesson for Dec. 4, 2005: Justice for All (Isaiah 42:1-9)
Lesson for Nov. 27, 2005: Paul Says Good-bye (Acts 20:17-38)
Lesson for Nov. 20, 2005: Priscilla and Aquila Serve Together (Acts 18:1-19:10)
Lesson for Nov. 13, 2005: Lydia Demonstrates Faithfulness (Acts 16:6-15; 40)
Lesson for Nov. 6, 2005: Paul Meets the Lord (Acts 9:1-31)
Lesson for Oct. 30, 2005: Peter Escapes Prison (Acts 12:1-17)
Lesson for Oct. 23, 2005: God Welcomes Gentiles (Acts 10:1-48)
Lesson for Oct. 16, 2005: Philip Teaches an Ethiopian (Acts 8:26-40)
Lesson for Oct. 9, 2005: Philip Preaches in Samaria (Acts 8:4-25)
Lesson for Oct. 2, 2005: Stephen Is Faithful to the End (Acts 6:8-7:60)
Lesson for Sept. 25, 2005: The Church Is Bold (Acts 4:1-31)
Lesson for Sept. 18, 2005: Peter and John Heal a Lame Man (Acts 3)
Lesson for Sept. 11, 2005: The Believers Share (Acts 2:43-47; 4:32-35)
Lesson for Sept. 4, 2005: The Spirit Comes (Acts 2)
Lesson for Aug. 28, 2005: Accepting the Invitation (Luke 14:7-24)
Lesson for Aug. 21, 2005: Being a Good Neighbor (Luke 10:25-37)
Lesson for Aug. 14, 2005: Healing the Incurable (Luke 8:40-56)
Lesson for Aug. 7, 2005: Called to a Mission (Luke 4:14-30)
Lesson for July 31, 2005: Meeting Human Needs (Matthew 25:31-46)
Lesson for July 24, 2005: Receiving and Giving Forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-35)
Lesson for July 17, 2005: Learning to Listen (Matthew 13:1-23)
Lesson for July 10, 2005: Practicing Genuine Righteousness (Matthew 6:1-34)
Lesson for July 3, 2005: Experiencing True Happiness (Matthew 5:1-16)
Lesson for June 26, 2005: Triumph (Mark 16)
Lesson for June 19, 2005: Trials and Opposition (Mark 14:53-65; 15:1-5)
Lesson for June 12, 2005: Miracles (Mark 2:1-12)
Lesson for June 5, 2005: Baptism and Temptations (Mark 1:4-13)
Lesson for May 29, 2005: Participate in the Community of Faith (Galatians 5:22-6:10)
Lesson for May 22, 2005: Live in Christian Freedom (Galatians 5:10-15)

 






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