Joseph’s Blood Stained Coat
“They took the robe to their father and said, We found this. Does it belong to your son? He recognized it and said, Yes, it is his! Some wild animal has killed him. My son Joseph has been torn to pieces!” Genesis 37:32-33 (GNT)
From the Eyes of His Father, Jacob
The day my sons came home carrying the blood stained coat of Joseph, I felt the pain of their words piercing straight through to my heart!
I had lost a child; the grief was overwhelming.
I loved each one of my children, but Joseph was special. I had worked for Laban for seven years to earn the hand of his daughter, Rachel. But on our wedding night, Laban deceived me by having his older daughter, Leah, enter our wedding tent. I protested, but that night had sealed my fate. Laban offered Rachel, too, but only after seven more years of labor. I agreed to the deal, trusting that eventually I’d be able to marry my beloved, Rachel.
After fourteen years of laboring and many more years of waiting, Rachel and I were finally blessed with a baby boy. We named him Joseph. In reality, I was much too old to have fathered a son, so we viewed this first child together as a gift from God. Although Joseph was taken from my sight, he will always hold a special place in my heart.
Conversation Starters
- After reading Joseph’s story from Jacob’s perspective, what thoughts come to mind?
- Joseph’s birth seemed to represent the collective trials and eventual triumph over circumstances. Discuss how that may have played a part in Jacob’s favoritism toward Joseph.
- Name two lessons you’ve learned from The Story of Joseph.
An Adult Perspective
You’ve heard it before; perspective is everything. Jacob’s story is one that drives the point home!
The casual reader may picture Joseph as a spoiled, pampered brat and empathize with the jealousy his brothers must have felt. But delving in deeper, I can see Jacob’s point of view. When he finally had a child with Rachel, it’s no wonder this firstborn son came to symbolize fourteen years of hard work, his enduring love for Rachel, and God’s blessing and faithfulness. It’s this knowledge, or awareness, that opens my heart to feel compassion for him.
Jacob’s life was defined by family conflict and controversy. He even struggled with God for a great part of his life! Nevertheless, God often uses imperfect people and transforms misfortune into opportunities for personal growth. Much later, in Genesis 42, the stories of Jacob and Joseph come full circle to embody a moment of family forgiveness and unity.
Hold firm to God’s truth. You never know what blessings are just around the corner.
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NLT)
