This Sunday we continue our new series on the account of Joseph from the book of Genesis. Though well loved by many of us, a lifetime of familiarity with this account would not exhaust the wonder & relevance of the deep truths contained in this part of God’s inspired Scripture. Last week we introduced three levels of meaning to the Joseph story: learning from the virtues and vices of the characters; appreciating the LORD’s purpose for his people, in fulfilment of his promises to Abraham; receiving the greater Joseph- Jesus- the ultimate rejected but chosen leader.
Today we take this approach to the account in Genesis 39. Having been betrayed, sold as a slave by his brothers, Joseph is taken in chains to Egypt and finds himself purchased to serve in the house of Potiphar. Young Joseph is thrown, therefore, into the darkness of elite Egyptian society, with its prevalent idol worship, routine abuse of slaves, and addiction to wealth. On the character level we see him exhibit perseverance by not succumbing to bitter cynicism despite all his pain. We see him demonstrate poise in the new leadership responsibility granted him. We see also his integrity despite the forceful sexual temptation that harasses him. The next layer of meaning: God fulfils his promise that his chosen people will be a conduit of blessing by blessing Potiphar’s entire domestic and commercial operations through Joseph. Lastly, Christ comes to us through Genesis 39. Joseph provides a pattern of the innocent suffering of Christ, maintaining purity though sorely tested, accused falsely, imprisoned unjustly.
Reflection Questions, Genesis 39
1. In Genesis 39.1 we read that Joseph, after his brothers’ violence and betrayal, was taken by slave traders to Egypt, then sold to Potiphar. List the reasons Joseph had, at this point, to allow bitterness and cynicism to take over his heart.
2. Read Genesis 39.2-4. Would it be possible for Joseph to function so well in Potiphar’s household if cynicism and bitterness had overwhelmed him? Discuss.
3. Read Genesis 12.1-3 and then Genesis 39.1-6. How can you see the promises to Abraham being fulfilled in Genesis 39.1-6?
4. Read Genesis 39.6-10. What timeless moral boundaries does Joseph uphold as he rejects Mrs Potiphar’s advances?
5. Read Genesis 39.13-20. (i) What hints are there in the way Potiphar reacts to his wife’s allegations, that he actually suspects Joseph to be innocent? (ii) If Potiphar does not believe the allegation, what might he actually be angry about?
Nb. While chapter 39 focuses on a woman’s misuse of power, this is only after a lengthy critique of a man’s misuse of power in Genesis 38. Wherever misuse of power occurs the Bible condemns it!
6. How is Joseph’s arrival in prison part of God’s bigger purpose in the whole story of Joseph?
7. What can you learn from Joseph’s virtuous conduct in this chapter?
8. The promise keeping God of Abraham is said to be with Joseph in his most vulnerable & isolated moments (namely in the moral darkness of Potiphar’s house 39.2-3, and in prison 39.21-23). God has come to us in our isolation, and vulnerability, in Jesus. Also, in the Spirit whom Christ sent. How does the truth that God is with his faithful people transform how we navigate our human vulnerability, weakness, and our feelings of isolation, today?