Joseph’s Robe Made His Brothers Jealous
“When his brothers saw that their father loved Joseph more than he loved them, they hated their brother so much that they would not speak to him in a friendly manner.” Genesis 37:4 (GNT)
Joseph’s Perspective at Age 17
My name is Joseph. I was born 11th out of 12 sons to my father, Jacob. Even when I was a small child, it was pretty obvious that I was my father’s favorite son.I was one of the youngest boys and didn’t have the responsibility of tending to our flocks in the fields. Since my older brothers did that job, my father spent more time with me; playing and teaching me things around the farm. Occasionally, I was sent to the fields to see if all was well. I took my job seriously and would look for things to report back about. Sometimes I told on my brothers for even the slightest slip-ups.
When I was seventeen, my father presented me with a robe fit for a king! My brother’s coats were short and plain, but mine was long, colorful and very ornate. I loved strutting around in my special robe! Then I began having dreams where sheaves of grain, the sun, the moon and the stars all bowed down to worship me. Of course, I bragged to my brothers about these prophetic visions for my life.
What happened next was almost unimaginable!
While sent to check on the flocks and my family, my brothers tore off my robe and threw me into a dry cistern. I could hear them plotting to kill me, but instead they sold me as a slave to passing Midianite merchants. I have no idea what’s going to happen to me now, so I’m clinging to a promise God once gave to my father: “Remember, I will be with you and protect you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land.” (Genesis 28:15a, GNT)
I bowed my head in silent prayer: “Dear God, forgive me for my prideful arrogance. Give me the courage to face each tomorrow. Regardless of my struggles, remind me to be thankful for your protection and the blessings in my life.”
Conversation Starters
- This part of Joseph’s story is told in Genesis 37. Open your bible and read this chapter of his story.
- What things did Joseph do and say that created tension with his older brothers? What might he have done differently?
- Discuss the difference between overconfidence and self-assurance. Between pride and humility.
An Adult Perspective
Sometimes favoritism in families simmers to the point of outright hostility.
Self-importance, or pride, is an easy trap to fall into; especially when your being coaxed along by the adulation of others. I’m guessing Joseph knew he was stirring up trouble as he recounted his dreams. “His brothers responded, “So you think you will be our king, do you? Do you actually think you will reign over us?” And they hated him all the more because of his dreams and the way he talked about them.” Genesis 37:8 (NLT) Although Joseph wasn’t responsible for Jacob’s favoritism, his arrogant boasting only heightened the tension in an already contentious relationship.
Unfortunately, there have been times when my pridefulness got in the way of Christ-like living. Prideful conceit is one of Satan’s most tempting tools, so it’s easy to fall into the self-importance trap. God rejoices when I remember that all my talents are actually gifts from Him. When I pause and give credit to God, I’m placing Him at the center of my life. After all, He deserves to be #1!
Humility can be a long fall from a pedestal of pride!
