Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. - Ephesians 4:32

Joseph had been testing his brothers to see if their actions proved them to be honest, upright, and caring. They had brought the money back for the grain they’d taken home on their first trip to Egypt. Though they had tarried somewhat, they had come back to rescue Simeon. They obviously cherished and looked out for their younger brother Benjamin. Judah had even offered to take Benjamin’s place as the prince’s slave. It was now abundantly clear that these brothers, who were once just murderous boys, had matured and developed into honorable men of good character. The test was complete.

Today’s message is called “Joseph Shows Kindness”. It focuses on the events recorded in Genesis 45. After this sermon is complete, there will only be 3 more left in this series. We are nearing the end my friends. Yeah!

I. REVELATION (v1-8)

Joseph had been concealing his true identity from his brothers for the past several months. When Judah sacrificially offered himself to be the prince’s slave rather than Benjamin, Joseph had seen enough. He was now fully convinced that his brothers were changed men. Therefore, he cleared the room of everyone other than himself and his brothers. Once they were alone, Joseph told them who he was. As he did so, he was overcome with emotion and wept loudly so that the Egyptians heard. The brothers were dumbfounded and unable to respond.

Joseph asked them to come closer. He stated that he wasn’t angry at them for selling him in slavery years ago. He even counseled them to forgive themselves for having done so. Instead, he now recognized that it had all been a part of God’s grand design. Joseph’s rocky past had providentially led him to become the Prince of Egypt. As prince, Joseph was in a unique position to deliver his family (and countless others) from starvation and famine. It had been God’s plan all along, so that the Hebrew people would be saved.

Isn’t forgiveness wonderful? Joseph’s brothers expected him to be furious with them for how they’d mistreated him years ago. Instead, Joseph extended kindness and compassion to them. He didn’t hold a grudge and wasn’t poisoned by bitterness. Instead he acknowledged that God was sovereign over all things, including the events of his own life. This realization freed him to forgive his brothers and to praise God in all circumstances (Job 1:21-22). 

II. INVITATION (v9-15)

Joseph instructed his brothers to go quickly and tell their father Jacob that he was still alive and had become the prince. He asked them to bring their entire family and all of their possessions from Canaan to Egypt and to settle in the region of Goshen, where the Nile river flows into the sea. He said that there were 5 years of famine remaining, and that he wanted his family to live close by that he might provide for and protect them. Joseph hugged Benjamin, kissed all of his brothers, and they conversed with one another as the tears of joy flowed down their cheeks.

Joseph invited his family to leave their uncertainty and fears behind by moving to a place where they’d be cared for and sustained. Have you ever received an invitation? Invitations offer us access to things that we might not otherwise be privy to. Invitations express a desire on the part of the giver to have us there. Invitations are powerful. The gospel message is an invitation made to everyone to receive salvation and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.     

III. PREPARATION (v16-23)

When the news spread throughout Pharaoh’s house that Joseph and his brothers had been reunited, Pharaoh and his servants were greatly pleased. Pharaoh consented to Joseph’s earlier promise to allow Jacob and his family to settle in Goshen. This was the most lush and fertile land in all of Egypt. Pharaoh didn’t want the brothers to be concerned about where they’d live. What’s more, he even arranged for and sent wagons back with them to Canaan to help with the move.

In addition to this, Joseph gave his brothers provisions for their journey. He gave each of them a change of garments. However, he specifically gave Benjamin 5 changes of garments and 300 pieces of silver. He also sent male and female donkeys loaded with many fine things from Egypt, bread, and grain. All of these things would provide ample sustenance for the family as they relocated to Egypt.

Have you ever moved to a distant location? It’s a huge and costly undertaking. I’ve moved several times during my life, but always within Texas! Like the wagons in this story, we’ve had to rent moving trucks to carry all of our things. We loaded them up, drove them to our new house, and then carefully unloaded everything. It’s exhausting. When I think about it, it makes me hope that I’ll never have to move again...

IV. JUBILATION (24-28)

Joseph’s brothers gathered all of their things, including the wagons and provisions they had been given for the trip, and returned home. When they arrived, they told their father Jacob that his beloved son Joseph was still alive. In fact, he was the ruler over Egypt. Jacob was stunned by their statement and didn’t immediately believe them. For almost 22 years he had presumed that Joseph was dead. But when Jacob saw the Egyptian wagons and provisions, his mind changed. Joseph was alive, and Jacob desperately wanted to go and see him.

I can only imagine the joy Jacob must have felt when he heard and was convinced that his long-lost son Joseph was still alive. I’ve heard several heart wrenching stories of people that have lost loved ones only to be reunited with them years later. Perhaps you’ve been touched by a similar experience. In a real sense, this is the hope we have in Christ. As the redeemed children of God, we have the assurance that no separation is permanent - not even death - and that someday we will meet again in Heaven.  

CONCLUSION

Let me close by pointing out more similarities between Joseph and Jesus. After thinking him to be dead for years, Joseph’s brothers were finally reunited with him. During their first meeting Benjamin was not with them. However, the second time he was. In a similar way, after Jesus had been dead for 3 days, He rose from the grave and appeared to His disciples. On His first appearance Thomas was not with them, but a week later he was.

After speaking with his brothers, Joseph prepared to meet his father once again. Likewise, after appearing to His disciples for 40 days, Jesus prepared to return to His Father on Ascension Day. They would soon be in each other’s presence again.

Finally, Joseph forgave his brothers and invited his family to come live in Egypt. His kindness is a picture of Christ’s love for us. Jesus has forgiven us of our transgressions and offered us salvation and eternal life with Him. Have you accepted His invitation?

No one who has been born of God practices sin, because His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin continually, because he has been born of God. - 1 John 3:9

In last week’s message, Jacob sent all of his sons except Benjamin to Egypt in order to buy food. When they arrived, Joseph recognized them and decided to put them to the test. He accused them of being spies and took Simeon as a prisoner. He gave the remaining brothers the grain they needed, sent them away, and told them to come again with Benjamin as proof of their innocence. The brothers returned home and told Jacob everything that had happened.

This morning we will pick up the story right where we left off. Would the brothers go back? Would Simeon remain in jail forever? Would Jacob allow Benjamin to leave home with them? So many questions… let’s find out the answers!  

I. BACK TO EGYPT (Gen. 43:1-15)

The famine continued until Jacob’s family ran out of the food supply they’d brought back from Egypt. He asked his sons to return and purchase more grain, but Judah reminded him that they would be unable to do so without Benjamin present. Jacob questioned them for revealing that they even had a younger brother, but Judah calmly explained that they couldn’t have predicted the prince would want to see him. Judah then promised to take personal responsibility for Benjamin’s protection, as Jacob didn’t trust Reuben’s earlier pledge to do so. He urged his father to let them go and not to delay any longer.

Left with no other options, Jacob begrudgingly agreed. He decided to send a collection of some of the finest products from Canaan as a gift for the prince. Furthermore, he had the brothers take twice as much money as they had taken previously. Half of it was for the grain they’d already used but never properly paid for and the other half was for the food which they were going to buy. Finally, he prayed that God would watch over them, that all would go well, that Simeon would be released, and that all of the brothers would come home safely. And so the brothers, including Benjamin, returned to Egypt again.

One of the lessons we can learn from this passage is that sometimes we have to do things that we don’t necessarily want to do in order to get what we want or need. Jacob didn’t want to let Benjamin go. In fact, he waited for as long as he possibly could before releasing him. Even then he was hesitant. But when left with no other choice but starvation, he finally allowed Benjamin to return to Egypt with his brothers. Perhaps there have been times in your life that you’ve had to make (and act upon) undesirable, but necessary, decisions.

II. JOSEPH SEES BENJAMIN (Gen. 43:16-34)

When Joseph saw that the brothers were back with Benjamin, he had them escorted to his house. He had his servants begin to prepare a lunch for them. This seemed strange to the brothers, they reasoned that Joseph was angry with them for having taken the first load of food without paying for it, and they feared the worst. They told Joseph’s steward that they’d brought the payment for the grain from their first trip and swore that they hadn’t withheld it on purpose. The steward wasn’t concerned or upset about it. Instead, he brought Simeon out to them, gave them water to wash their feet, and fed their donkeys. So the brothers anxiously waited for Joseph’s arrival and prepared the gift they’d brought for him.

When Joseph arrived, they brought the gift to him and bowed down in his presence. Joseph asked about their aging father. The brothers responded that he was well and bowed down a second time. Then Joseph asked if this new person with them was their youngest brother Benjamin. He then prayed that God’s grace be upon Benjamin. Moved with emotion, Joseph hurried out of sight and wept. Once he regained his composure, Joseph returned and instructed his servants to serve the meal. Typically Egyptians and Hebrews ate separately. But Joseph chose to eat with his brothers, and they were seated around the table according to their age. Benjamin was given a larger portion than his brothers.

Everything that was happening seemed bizarre. Why would the Prince of Egypt serve a special lunch for these brothers in his own house? Why would he bless Benjamin in God’s name? Why would he personally sit and eat with them seeing that they were Hebrews? How could he possibly know the correct order of their birth? Something was definitely going on… but the brothers didn’t yet know exactly what it was. When things seem peculiar and people are acting in curious ways, it is usually a sign that something is taking place behind the scenes.  

III. THE STOLEN CUP (Gen. 44)

Joseph ordered his servants to fill the brothers’ sacks with grain and to give them their money back (again). Furthermore, Joseph told his steward to secretly place his silver cup in Benjamin’s bag. At morning light the 11 brothers left for home. Not long after they’d gone, Joseph sent his steward after them. When the steward caught up, he accused the brothers of stealing Joseph’s cup. They strongly denied the charge and claimed that they were innocent. The steward stated that if any of them had stolen the cup, that individual would become the prince’s slave. They searched their bags and found the silver cup in Benjamin's sack. The brothers were overcome with grief and were brought back to the city.

Joseph began to interrogate the brothers. Judah spoke up as their representative, but was unable to give a defense for their guilt. He suggested that all of them be held as slaves, but Joseph replied that only Benjamin would be kept. Judah approached Joseph and explained that Benjamin was his elderly father’s favorite son - the only son left of his mother. He stated that Jacob would die of sorrow if Benjamin did not return home safely from Egypt. Judah had pledged to protect Benjamin and couldn’t go back to Canaan without him. Out of deep love for his father and youngest brother, Judah volunteered to take Benjamin’s place. This pictures Jesus' substitutionary sacrifice for sinners.

Almost 25 years earlier, it was Judah who had proposed selling Joseph to the Ishmaelites as a slave. Now, as poor Benjamin seemed destined to become a slave also, Judah desperately sought to intervene. Rather than purposely condemning his brother to a life of servitude, he instead acted compassionately to deliver his brother from such a fate. Clearly Judah had changed. It has been said that the best indicator of true repentance occurs when a person chooses to act righteously while facing the same situation or circumstances that formally led them to sin.

CONCLUSION

In closing, let’s briefly review a few of the lessons we’ve brought out in today’s message.

First, sometimes in life we have to do things that we don’t want to do in order to get what we need. For example, there are days we don’t want to go to work and would rather stay in bed, but we need that paycheck and don’t want to get fired. So we get up and go…

Second, when people are acting strangely and things seem out of place, it is likely that something is going on. People do and say things for a reason. Motivations drive actions. We should be sensitive enough to recognize and question curious and peculiar conduct.

Third, true repentance can be defined as a change of mind that results in a change of behavior. Everyone sins, even Christians. That said, those who are truly sorry and repentant will not continue to repeat the same sins over and over again habitually.

But He answered and said, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes out of the mouth of God.’” - Matthew 4:4

Usually my wife goes to the grocery store once a week to buy food for the family. Sometimes I go shopping with her. As most of us know, when you have kids at home it takes a lot to keep everyone fed. We try to plan ahead and make a grocery list each week of the things we’ll need. For our family, food is one of the largest expenses in our monthly budget. We spend a lot of money on it. Everyone needs food to survive, and Jacob’s family was no different.

Last week we talked about Joseph’s remarkable and sudden rise to power in Egypt. He wisely oversaw the collection of surplus grain during the 7 years of abundance. Then, when the 7 years of famine began, the Egyptian people and foreigners from the surrounding regions began to cry out for bread. Unable to produce crops, they were desperate to purchase food from the reserves and storehouses located in Egypt.

Today’s message is somewhat reminiscent of our weekly trips to the grocery store. Jacob and his family needed food, so he sent his sons to go buy some. Let’s explore what happened...

I. COMING TO EGYPT (v1-7)

During the several years that Joseph spent as Potiphar’s servant, then as a prisoner, and finally as the new prince, his elderly father Jacob and his brothers remained in Canaan. When the great famine struck, like many others they found themselves in need of food. Jacob knew that there was grain available in Egypt so he sent 10 of his sons on a journey to purchase a supply of it. Jacob did not send Benjamin, who was quite a bit younger than his brothers, with them on this trip for fear that something bad might happen to him.

The brothers, less Benjamin, made their way to Egypt and came before Joseph. It had been over 20 years since they’d last seen him. They did not recognize him as their long lost brother, though Joseph did recognize them. In fulfillment of the dream Joseph had when he was a boy, the brothers bowed down before him. Rather than revealing his true identity, Joseph kept it concealed. Instead he sternly asked them why they’d come, to which they responded that they wished to buy grain.

I used to wander why Joseph didn’t immediately tell his brothers who he was. His actions seemed purposefully deceptive and somewhat mean-spirited. In truth, however, he acted shrewdly in order to test their integrity and trustworthiness. After all, the last time they were together his brothers hated him, conspired to kill him, and sold him to foreign merchants. Had they changed at all? Did they regret their decisions? Had they matured in their character? The Bible actually encourages believers to be righteously shrewd in their dealings (Matthew 10:16).  

II. BEING IN EGYPT (v8-28)

Joseph accused his brothers of being foreign spies who’d come to survey the land for potential weaknesses. The brothers insisted that they’d come simply to buy food and had no ill intentions. They described themselves as honest men from the land of Canaan, 12 sons of 1 father - the 10 of them, a younger brother who’d stayed home with dad, and another brother who they believed to be dead. Joseph feigned doubt about their claim of innocence and posed a test. He would allow 1 of them to return home and bring back their younger brother as proof of their testimony, but before doing so he placed all of them in prison for 3 days.

During this time, Joseph lightened the severity of his original proposal. So on the third day, rather than keeping all of them confined except for 1, he allowed them all to go except for 1. The brothers conversed among themselves in their native language, not realizing that Joseph could hear and understand them. They expressed remorse for how they mistreated Joseph years ago and reasoned that justice had finally befallen them. Reuben reminded them that he’d been against harming Joseph (Genesis 37:21-22). When Joseph overheard their discussion, he turned away and wept. After regaining his composure, he took Simeon, bound him in their presence, and returned him to the jail.

The remaining brothers started home for Canaan with the grain that they’d purchased. Unbeknownst to them, Joseph had given their money back to them as well. Along the way, 1 of the brothers discovered that the portion of money he’d taken to buy the food was still in his bags. When he told the others they were all upset. If the Prince of Egypt already believed them to be spies, what would he think when he discovered that they’d not fully paid him for the grain?
     
III. RETURNING FROM EGYPT (v29-38)

When the remaining brothers finally arrived at home, they told their father Jacob about what had happened to them. They explained that the prince had accused them of being spies and was currently and indefinitely holding Simeon hostage until they proved otherwise. They were to bring their youngest brother back to Egypt as evidence of their truthfulness. Then, and only then, would he be released and they be allowed to trade in the land.

As the brothers unpacked from the long journey, all of them discovered that their share of the money that had been originally sent to purchase the grain was still in their bags. Had they inadvertently taken the grain without paying for it? Both Jacob and the brothers were fearful of how this oversight would further aggravate the situation. Upon reflection, Jacob stated that he would not let Benjamin return with them. Reuben spoke up and swore to protect Benjamin, offering the lives of his own 2 sons as a pledge, but Jacob refused. With Joseph gone and now Simeon, Jacob couldn’t bear the possibility of losing Benjamin too.

Though Reuben was simply trying to console his father’s worries, his willingness to offer his own sons as collateral was fool-hearted, brazen, and reckless. Reuben had betrayed Jacob years earlier by sleeping with his concubine Bilhah (Genesis 35:22) and had lost all credibility in his father’s eyes. Reuben’s assurance that he’d protect Benjamin was empty and hollow, because his reputation spoke louder than his words. Going forward, Reuben’s role as leader would diminish and Judah would rise to become the prominent brother.    

CONCLUSION

In closing, we must remember that all of this was an elaborate, multi-pronged test. Joseph knew that his brothers weren't spies. Still, he wanted to know if they’d changed. He’d heard them expressing remorse about how they’d treated him years ago, but was their shame genuine? Did they truly regret what they’d done or were they just upset that it had finally caught up to them? Were they willing to abandon yet another brother or would they act differently this time? Would they deal honestly with Jacob and bring back the grain money? Perhaps most importantly, was his younger brother Benjamin, the only other son of Rachel, alive and well?

Joseph tested his brothers. Sometimes God tests us. He places us in certain situations to see how we will react. We will choose to do what is honest and right? Will we obey God and trust in His promises and power? In fact, our entire lives are a test. Are we passing or failing?

One final observation before we go… Throughout this series I have pointed out several similarities between the story of Joseph and that of Jesus Christ. Let me add yet another. The brothers were starving and came to Joseph for food because he was the only one who had grain. So also, Jesus is the Bread of Life, and the exclusive source of salvation and spiritual provision (John 6:35). In Him we find sustenance and eternal life.

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” - Romans 8:28

Have you ever heard of a “rags to riches” story? These types of stories tell about people who started with very little and eventually climbed their way to the top. Sometimes this was accomplished by hard work, other times through a stroke of good fortune, and in many cases it involved a combination of both. As Christians, we realize that no one achieves such success apart from the divine working of God. He deserves all of the glory!

In this morning’s message we will read about Joseph’s amazing promotion from the prison to the palace. I have titled it “The Prince of Egypt”. Turn to Genesis 41 and let’s begin.

I. THE CUPBEARER FINALLY REMEMBERS (v1-13)

The Pharaoh’s cupbearer had been released from prison and restored to his former office, but had forgotten to tell Pharaoh about Joseph. Two more long years went by as Joseph waited in prison. Then one night Pharaoh had a pair of disturbing dreams. In the first, he was standing by the Nile river where 7 healthy, strong cows were grazing on the grassy shoreline. Suddenly 7 thin, ugly cows came up beside them on the bank. These skinny, sickly cows ate the good looking cows. In the second dream, 7 plump ears of grain came up on a stalk. Afterwards 7 thin grains scorched by the wind sprouted up. These thin ears swallowed the full ears.

The next morning Pharaoh was troubled by these 2 dreams. He summoned all of the soothsayers and wise men in Egypt, but none of them could give him a satisfactory interpretation of what they meant. As all of this unfolded, the cupbearer finally remembered how Joseph had rightly interpreted his dream a few years back while he was in prison. So the cupbearer recounted his story to the Pharaoh and told him about Joseph’s incredible ability to understand dreams.

Have you ever had something trigger a memory from years ago which you had forgotten about? This happens to me all the time. I often hear songs that take me back to a certain time and place. Or something will happen in my life that is reminiscent of the past. Sometimes these memories have a direct bearing on my present circumstances. For example, I might remember how to do something, where I left something, or something helpful that someone said. God uses past experiences to help us face our daily challenges - if we can remember them.

II. JOSEPH’S INTERPRETATION AND ADVICE (v14-37)

Pharaoh called for Joseph, so they cleaned him up and brought him out of the dungeon. When he arrived, Pharaoh asked Joseph if he could interpret dreams. Joseph credited God for interpreting dreams through him. Then Pharaoh proceeded to share his 2 dreams with Joseph. He told him about the cows and the ears of grain. Pharaoh further stated that none of his seers or priests could interpret them.

After hearing the dreams, Joseph explained that both of the dreams meant the same thing. The fact that they were repeated showed that God had determined to bring them about quickly. The cows and the ears of grain represented years. Egypt (and the surrounding regions) would experience 7 years of great abundance followed by 7 years of terrible famine. During the years of famine, the good years would be forgotten as people struggled in hunger and poverty.

Joseph continued by offering the Pharaoh some advice. He suggested that Pharaoh appoint a discerning, skilled leader to make preparations during the first 7 years to address the anticipated needs of the second 7 years. He proposed storing and guarding surplus grain during the abundant years to be used as sustenance for the nation throughout the upcoming famine. Pharaoh was pleased with Joseph's interpretation and impressed by his plan to deal with it.

We don’t know what will happen in the immediate future. Will our economy be prosperous and robust or will we suffer through another difficult recession? Will our personal income be plentiful and sufficient to meet our needs or will we slip into poverty and lack? The Bible teaches us that it is wise to plan ahead and save money whenever possible so that we have it available if needed (Proverbs 6:6-8). This shouldn’t, however, infringe upon our obligation to give cheerfully to the church and to those in need.    

III. PHARAOH PUTS JOSEPH IN CHARGE (v38-57)

Joseph never explicitly recommended himself for the position, but clearly he was quite capable. Pharaoh recognized Joseph’s impeccable wisdom and character, and appointed him to oversee the preparations for the upcoming famine. In fact, Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of his house and made him second-in-command over all of Egypt. Joseph was dressed in the finest clothes and jewelry. The people bowed before him as he paraded throughout the land in a chariot. Pharaoh gave him an Egyptian name and a beautiful young maiden to be his wife.  

Joseph was 30 years old when he became the prince of Egypt. During the next 7 years of abundance and prosperity he oversaw the collection of surplus grain. He stored it in various cities across the nation in quantities too great to measure. During these plentiful years, Joseph and his wife Asenath had 2 sons. The firstborn was named Manasseh, which means “to forget”, and the second born was named Ephraim which means “fruitful”.

The names of Joseph’s sons reflect his way of thinking. Joseph didn’t literally forget about his past life and the many troubles he faced. Rather, he simply chose not to dwell on them or let them drag him down. Instead, he focused on how God had blessed him and brought him through. In the same way, we cannot move forward if we are always looking backward.

When the 7 years of famine began, the people cried out because they were starving. Pharaoh sent them to Joseph, who managed the distribution and sell of the grain that had been stored up in advance. The severe famine prevailed well beyond Egypt, throughout the entire Middle East, so that both Egyptians and foreigners came to Joseph to buy grain.
   
CONCLUSION

Joseph was just 17 years old when his brothers threw him into the pit in Canaan and left him for dead. He was 30 years old when he was made ruler in Egypt. During those 13 years in between, he had been a slave and a prisoner. He had been betrayed by his brothers, falsely accused by Potiphar's wife, and forgotten by Pharaoh’s cupbearer. His life was filled with one bad break after another. Yet through it all Joseph continued to glorify God and trust in His plan.

This series of difficult and trying events ultimately led Joseph to be in the right place at the right time. Pharaoh needed an interpreter and Joseph was available. God providentially worked all of these things together so that Joseph might rise to power in Egypt. And through Joseph’s influence, as we will see in the coming chapters, the LORD would accomplish his purpose of temporarily moving the Hebrew people out of Canaan.

Perhaps more vividly than any other story in Scripture, Joseph’s life is an example of how God works all things together for good to those who love Him. Notice that this promise does not apply to those who hate or reject God. But if you are His, a born again believer who is faithfully devoted to the LORD, you can trust that God is in control of your life even in perilous times. You may not become the vice president, but God will turn your life around and make something good and beautiful out of the bitterness and darkness.

“When they had struck them with many blows, they threw them [Paul and Silas] into prison, commanding the jailer to guard them securely; and he, having received such a command, threw them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.” - Acts 16:23-24

I don’t dream very often anymore. If I do, I don’t remember what I’ve dreamt about when I wake up in the morning. But many years ago, when I was a child, I used to have bad nightmares. They would wake me up in the middle of the night sweating and terrified. As an example, there was a streetlight outside my window that I used to dream about coming alive and chasing after me. Anyway, I prayed for many years that I’d stop having dreams altogether, and eventually God granted my request.

This morning we are going to read about and discuss dreams. Joseph has been called “The Prince of Dreams” because he both had dreams and interpreted them for others. In an upcoming message, we will see how God uses Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams as the means of freeing him from prison. Today however, we will see him interpret the dreams of his fellow inmates.
    
I. WE EACH HAD A DREAM (v1-8)

Joseph had likely been incarcerated for a while before he was given authority by the chief jailer to oversee the prisoners - perhaps a few years. At some point, 2 of Pharaoh's servants (his cupbearer and head baker) offended and infuriated the king. He subsequently placed them in prison - in the same facility where Joseph was confined. The cupbearer and head baker were added to those under Joseph’s charge, and he took care of them.

One night, both of Pharaoh’s servants had a dream. Their dreams were different from one another, but both were perplexing. The next morning, Joseph noticed that both men seemed distressed. He asked them why they were so sad and upset. The cupbearer and head baker explained that they’d each had a troubling dream, and knew of no one who could interpret them. Joseph stated that interpretations belong to God and asked them to tell their dreams to him.

Several years earlier, when Joseph was just a boy, he himself had 2 God-given dreams about the future. In the first, his brothers’ sheaths bowed down before his. In the second, the sun, moon, and 11 stars bowed down before him. Both of his childhood dreams predicted that someday Joseph would rule over his own family members (Genesis 37:5-11). Now Joseph was placed in the position of interpreting someone else’s dreams.

There are numerous examples in the Bible of people having dreams and visions. God frequently used them to communicate truths to people many years ago. Now that the Bible is complete, we have easy access to the written Word of God which includes His teachings, prophecies, and so forth. Therefore, dreams and visions are no longer as necessary as they once were. God can still use them, especially in places where the gospel is scarce, but we should rely on the full and final revelation of Scripture. Not all dreams and visions are of God, which can cause them to be misleading and harmful.

II. WHAT DO THEY MEAN? (v9-19)

The cupbearer began by describing his dream to Joseph. In it, he had seen a vine with 3 branches. He watched as the branches budded, blossomed, and produced clusters of ripe grapes. He took some of these grapes, squeezed them into Pharaoh's cup which he was holding, and placed it in Pharaoh’s hand. Upon hearing the dream, Joseph explained that the branches represented days. He predicted that in 3 days, the cupbearer would be released from prison and restored to his former office. Joseph asked the cupbearer to remember him and plead on his behalf once he was released. 

The head baker went next.  He shared his dream with Joseph. In it, there were 3 baskets of white bread stacked on the baker’s head. In the top basket were all sorts of baked food for Pharaoh and the birds above were eating out of it. Upon hearing the dream, Joseph explained that the baskets represented days. He predicted that in 3 days, Pharaoh would hang the baker’s body from a tree and the birds would scavenge his corpse.

In the Bible, God would often enable prophets to make predictions about the immediate future. When these prophecies came true, it would bolster their credibility in the minds of their listeners. This would make their longer term prophecies more believable and trustworthy. Now that we have the Bible, the reliability and truthfulness of preachers and teachers should be measured against their strict adherence to Scripture.   

III. DREAMS DO COME TRUE (v20-23)

3 days later, everything happened just as Joseph had predicted. It was Pharaoh’s birthday and there was a huge party for all his servants. During the celebration, Pharaoh brought the cupbearer and head baker out from prison and stood them before everyone. He then reinstated the cupbearer to his former position and had the head baker hanged.

Though the cupbearer once again enjoyed the audience of Pharaoh and served him regularly, he forgot to mention how Joseph had been unfairly accused and unjustly imprisoned. Joseph had hoped that the cupbearer would convince Pharaoh to release him from jail. Unfortunately, the cupbearer didn’t speak to Pharaoh about it at all. So Joseph remained in prison, serving hard time for a crime he didn’t commit.

Do you ever feel forgotten or overlooked? Perhaps you’ve done something kind or generous for someone and they’ve failed to remember it or acknowledge it. Feeling this way can often lead to discouragement or despair. It can make you feel alone or unappreciated. But don’t fret… though people might forget about the good things you’ve done (oftentimes unintentionally) God does not. He will never forget those who faithfully serve Him and minister in His name to others (Hebrews 6:10). 

CONCLUSION

Joseph is the most famous dreamer and interpreter of dreams in the Bible. During the Patriarchal Age, God gifted Him with this special ability. That was then, and this is now. I personally believe that such dreams and visions are rightly compared with the “cessation gifts” of miracles, healings, and tongues. Let me explain...

Cessationism teaches that certain spiritual gifts, referred to as the sign gifts, which were common in Biblical times have all but ceased to exist today. God granted these gifts to prophets and apostles centuries ago as a means of establishing their identity and authority. They were tools that helped accomplish His purposes. Since the end of the apolostolic age however, these particular gifts are no longer given to individual believers. God can and still performs miracles today, but not through supernaturally empowered healers, dreamers, and so on.

I will close today’s message with a quote that my wife shared on Facebook a few weeks ago. When I read it, it left a strong impression. It is attributed to Dustin Benge, a prominent Baptist theologian, professor, and author. He said:

“The Bible is better than visions, more reliable than emotions, greater than miracles, more trustworthy than experience, stronger than tradition.  Do you want to know God?  Do you want to hear God?  Read the Bible.”

“Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.” - Matthew 5:11

After discussing Judah and his family last week, this morning we will return our attention to Joseph. As you may recall, Joseph was his father Jacob’s favorite son. Jacob even made Joseph a coat of many colors which he proudly showed off to his brothers. Joseph sometimes snitched on his brothers and caused them to get in trouble. He openly shared his dreams of ruling over them someday. The brothers hated him for these things and conspired to kill him. Instead, they decided to sell him to a band of foreign merchants.

In today’s message, we resume our discussion of Joseph’s incredible life. I have titled this sermon “Falsely Accused”. It is the 24th message of “The Chosen Church: Getting To Know the Patriarchs” series.  

I. ELEVATED (v1-6b)

After being sold to the Ishmaelite traders, Joseph was taken from Canaan to Egypt. Upon arrival, they sold him as a slave to Potiphar, an Egyptian officer of Pharaoh. Potiphar was the captain of the bodyguard. Joseph became a servant in Potiphar’s house and the LORD blessed him. Over time, Joseph’s success became evident and his master recognized that everything he did prospered. Therefore, Potiphar made Joseph his personal assistant and put him in charge of overseeing and managing his household.

God began to bless Potiphar’s house and property because he’d placed Joseph in charge of it. Everything that Joseph was given responsibility over flourished and thrived. Increasingly, Potiphar gave Joseph more and more control. Eventually the only thing that Potiphar had left to be concerned about was the food that he ate. Joseph took care of everything else for him.

Prior to his arrival in Egypt, the Bible presents Joseph as a somewhat snooty, spoiled, and unlikable teenager. However, while he lived with Potiphar, Joseph worked hard, earned the respect and admiration of his master, and enjoyed remarkable success (especially due to God’s blessing). His attitude and demeanor seemed better, and he’d definitely matured as a person. Sometimes going through a traumatic experience, like being sold into slavery, changes your perspective and forces you to grow up quickly. Whatsmore, sometimes people just need a fresh start in a new place somewhere far away from their past.  

II. BLAMED (v6c-18)

Joseph was a handsome young man and Potiphar’s wife was strongly attracted to him. She began making sexual advances towards him and sought to entice Joseph into sleeping with her. But Joseph did not want to betray his master nor sin against God, so he repeatedly refused her propositions. She continued trying to seduce him day after day, but he always resisted.

One day Joseph was working alone in the house and no other people were around. Potiphar’s wife approached him, grabbed his garment, and demanded that he sleep with her. Joseph quickly fled from her presence, leaving his garment behind in her hand. Frustrated and angry, she gathered the men of the house and falsely accused Joseph of trying to sexually assault her. She showed them his garment and claimed that he’d tried to force himself on her, but ran away when she screamed. She later repeated this same lie to her husband, Potiphar, when he returned home.

There are many examples men who commit acts of sexual harassment and/or assault against women. Those who are guilty of this behavior should be held accountable. In no way do I or should we ever condone such conduct. On the other hand, there are also numerous instances in which innocent men are falsely accused of such things. Often in these cases, untrue and slanderous allegations impede or even destroy the young man’s life. Serious charges like these should be thoroughly investigated to determine the truth, not merely accepted at face value.

III. IMPRISONED (v19-23)

Though he was completely innocent, Joseph was placed in prison for attempting to rape Potiphar’s wife. The jail where he was confined housed only the king’s prisoners - those incarcerated by the king’s decree. While there, God’s favor was upon Joseph once again and he caught the attention of the chief jailer. As time went by, the chief jailer began giving him management and oversight responsibilities so that eventually Joseph was in charge of all the prisoners. The chief jailer trusted him completely.

Though he was in prison, Joseph made the best of his circumstances and rose to a position of leadership. He had done the same thing while serving as a slave in Potiphar’s house. In both instances, Joseph succeeded in spite of his challenging environment. There is no doubt that some people have an easier path than others, but Joseph’s story clearly demonstrates that one’s surroundings should not limit their achievements.

With God’s help, anyone can rise above their circumstances and find success. Doing so requires a positive attitude, a willingness to work hard, and a healthy reliance of the LORD. Joseph could have easily cursed God for his many misfortunes, wallowed in self-pity, and given up on himself - but he didn’t. Instead he faced every new day with a passionate desire to become the best he could be where he was. Success shouldn’t be measured in comparison to others and their situations, but rather in the achieving of one’s own potential.

CONCLUSION

As we observed earlier in this series, there are several noticeable similarities to be seen between Joseph’s life and that of Jesus Christ. We’ve already seen images that foreshadowed His betrayal, death, and resurrection. Let’s elaborate on a couple more commonalities as we wrap things up this morning.

First, while serving as a slave Joseph was faced with constant temptation. Can you imagine the challenging nature of his work environment? Yet, though he was a sinner in numerous other ways, Joseph successfully resisted the ongoing attempts of seduction made by Potiphar’s wife. In comparison, Jesus left His heavenly home, took on flesh, and came to live in the fallen world where sin abounds. He faced all sorts of temptations, just as we do each day, yet He never sinned (Hebrews 4:15).

Second, Joseph was condemned on the basis of false testimony. Potiphar’s wife accused him of doing something that he didn’t do, and he was subsequently put in prison for it. Jesus was also convicted based on contrived and even conflicting evidence (Matthew 26:59, Mark 14:56). Ultimately, Jesus was sentenced to death for inciting rebellion against Rome (treason or sedition) - a bogus charge that was totally false.

“The record of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham: Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar,” - Matthew 1:1-3a

In last week’s message we turned our attention to Joseph and began our discussion of his incredible life. He was despised by his brothers, thrown into a pit, sold into slavery, and taken away to Egypt… and this was just the beginning of many adventures to come. Next week we will return to and continue reading Joseph’s compelling story.

However, this morning we will shift the spotlight (albeit briefly) to Judah, one of Joseph’s older brothers. Based upon other Biblical evidence and a little common sense, the events described in this chapter most likely cover a span of around 25-30 years. Therefore, they were happening to Judah in Canaan at the same time that Joseph’s remarkable story was unfolding in distant Egypt. Keep this in mind as our study goes on. They are parallel accounts designed to contrast these 2 important siblings. 

I. 2 BAD BROTHERS (v1-11)

Unlike Abraham, Issac, and Jacob who married among their own Hebrew relatives and started families late in life, all of Jacob’s sons married Gentile wives and started having children much earlier. Judah is no exception. While still a young man, Judah went to visit his friend Hirah in the nearby town of Adullam. While there he saw and fell in love with an unnamed Canaanite woman identified only as the “daughter of Shua”. They were married and began having children immediately. Within a short span, the couple had 3 sons - Er, Onan, and Shelah.

Several years passed and these boys grew into young men themselves. Judah chose a young maiden named Tamar to be the wife of his oldest son Er. However, before they could come together to produce a child, Er died. In keeping with their custom, Er’s younger brother Onan was responsible for maintaining his deceased brother’s family line. Therefore Onan went in and slept with Tamar. However, Onan knew that if she had a baby, the child would legally be considered Er’s heir - not his. So Onan took action to insure that Tamar did not become pregnant. Subsequently, he died also.

Judah’s only remaining son, Shelah, was not yet old enough to marry. Judah asked his daughter-in-law Tamar to remain a widow and live in her father’s house until Shelah came of age. Perhaps then they could produce children for Shelah’s older brothers and for themselves. Heartbroken and childless, Tamar agreed to do so. Meanwhile Judah was having second thoughts. He feared that somehow Tamar was bad luck, and worried that Shelah might also die prematurely should he ever be married to her.

The Bible plainly states that God took Er’s life because he was “evil” and took Onan’s life because his actions were “displeasing in the sight of the LORD”. Tamar had nothing to do with their untimely deaths. This passage has been cited throughout history to argue against all forms of contraceptives and/or birth control. Proponents assert that Onan sinned by using preventative measures to ensure that Tamar did not get pregnant during sex. They assert that any such efforts are morally wicked. Personally, I believe this position mischaracterizes the true nature of Onan’s sin, stretches the actual meaning of the text, and is inconsistent with the broader teaching of Scripture on the issue of sex. Perhaps we can dig more deeply into the matter of birth control in a future sermon.

II. 2 DESPERATE PEOPLE (v12-23)

Tamar quietly and dutifully waited through the next few years. During this time, Judah’s wife died and he became a widower. Eventually Shelah reached the necessary age for marriage, but Judah was hesitant to pair him with Tamar. One day she learned that Judah and his friend Hirah were going to Timnah to supervise the shearing of his sheep. Having witnessed Judah’s reluctance, Tamar disguised herself as a prostitute, covered her face with a veil, and waited along the roadside at the gate of Enaim for him to pass by.

When they met, Judah didn’t recognize his daughter-in-law. Thinking her to be a harlot and longing for the intimacy he’d lost, Judah offered to give her a young goat from his flock in exchange for her services. However, he did not have a goat with him at the time. Therefore, Tamar took Judah’s seal (signet ring), cord, and staff as a pledge until the animal could be delivered. Once the details of payment had been arranged, Judah went in and slept with Tamar. Afterwards he continued on his way, while she returned home having become pregnant by her own father-in-law.

When they arrived at Timnah, Judah took one of his goats, gave it to his friend Hirah, and sent him back to find and pay the prostitute. Hirah returned to Enaim, but couldn’t find her. He asked the local citizens if they’d seen her - and they hadn’t. Frustrated, Hirah returned again to Timnah and told Judah that she was gone. Judah decided to keep quiet about the incident because he reasoned that people would laugh at him if word got out.      

This story provides an example of 2 people engaging in a sexual relationship for very different reasons. Judah hired what he thought was a prostitute for his own personal pleasure. For him this was a one-night stand - no strings, no consequences. On the other hand, Tamar (who was justifiably upset with Judah from withholding his son Shelah from her) was purposefully trying to get pregnant. She wanted a baby, even if it required taking extreme measures.

III. 2 NEW BABIES (v24-30)

About 3 months later, Judah learned that his daughter-in-law Tamar was pregnant. He was absolutely furious and wanted her killed for not faithfully waiting on Shelah. But when she showed him the signet ring, cord, and staff, Judah immediately recognized what he’d done. He even took responsibility for it, reasoning that if he’d simply given Shelah to her in a timely manner the whole episode could have been avoided. He made no effort to punish Tamar for her deceit.

When the months of her pregnancy were over, Tamar gave birth to twin boys. During the delivery, one of the babies stuck their hand out. The midwife tied a scarlet thread around it to identify which child was born first. But then the baby withdrew its hand and the other son came out instead. So the firstborn child was named Perez, which means “to breach” or “to bust forth”. The second born son (who had the thread tied on his hand) was named Zerah, which means “dawning” or “shining”.

CONCLUSION

As we wrap our study this morning, it is worth mentioning that Tamar is 1 of only 4 women named in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. This quartet includes Tamar (the daughter-in-law of Judah), Ruth (the wife of Boaz), Bathsheeba (the wife of King David), and Mary (the wife of Joseph). Of these, only Mary was a Jew. Tamar and Bathsheba were both Canaanites and Ruth was a Moabite. Yet God divinely permitted these Gentile women (and perhaps others left unnamed) to become ancestors of Christ. By His birth Jesus was a Jew, but (like virtually all of us) His true ethnicity was mixed to some extent. He represented the Gentiles as well. He came to make salvation available to everyone!

“For my soul has had enough troubles, and my life has drawn near to Sheol. I am reckoned among those who go down to the pit; I have become like a man without strength, forsaken among the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom You remember no more, and they are cut off from Your hand. You have put me in the lowest pit, in dark places, in the depths.” - Psalm 88:3-6 

Thus far, our series has focused on 3 primary characters - Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. These men are the patriarchs of the Jewish people. This morning our spotlight will shift once again. Beginning with today’s message and for the remainder of the series, we will be concentrating on Jacob’s children - particularly on his son Joseph. Though Joseph is not one of the patriarchs, his story providentially sets the stage for the next chapter of Jewish history.  

I. DESPISED BY HIS BROTHERS (v1-11)

Jacob and his family settled in Hebron, where both Abraham and Issac had sojourned before him. His son Joseph, who was just a baby when Jacob left Paddan-Aram, was now 17 years old. He and his brothers were responsible for pasturing their father’s flocks. One day, Joseph brought back a bad report about some of the things they were doing. In other words, he told on them. Joseph was a snitch, and his brothers didn’t like it.

Furthermore, Joseph was one of Rachel’s sons and therefore held a special place in his father’s heart. Jacob openly favored him over all of his other children, and even went so far as to make him a multi-colored tunic symbolizing his esteemed status. It would seem that Jacob, having himself experienced the toxicity of a father’s favoritism, would have avoided repeating this same behavior - but he didn’t. This was another reason why Joseph’s brothers despised him.

To make matters worse, Joseph had a dream that he and his brothers were binding sheaves in the field. In the dream, their sheaves bowed down before his. Then he had a second dream in which the sun, moon, and 11 stars all bowed before him. In both of these dreams, Joseph’s brothers were symbolically portrayed as submitting to and showing allegiance to him. Joseph felt superior to his brothers, and his lofty dreams and prideful arrogance further alienated them. In short, they hated him.

Let’s face it… Joseph was a pompous brat and his brothers had plenty of valid reasons not to like him. But, let’s not forget, his father Jacob had not been the best brother when he was young either. Remember how Jacob took advantage of Esau regarding the birthright and his father’s blessing? Remember how Esau hated him for it? Now, a generation later, we see young Joseph offending his brothers in similar fashion. As they say, “Like father, like son”. 

II. THROWN IN A PIT (v12-24)

Now Jacob’s brothers had taken their father’s flocks to pasture near Shechem. Jacob sent Joseph to go check on them and see if they were okay. So Joseph came to Shechem, but his brothers were not there. A stranger approached him and asked, “Who are you looking for?” When Joseph answered the man told him that his brothers had moved on toward Dothan. Joseph continued to Dothan in search of them.

As he approached, his brothers saw him in the distance and plotted to kill him. They planned to throw his dead body in a pit and say that he’d been devoured by a wild animal. Reuben, the oldest son, convinced his brothers not to kill Joseph immediately but rather to throw him alive into a pit. As the firstborn, Reuben knew that he would likely be held most responsible should anything bad happen. In truth, Reuben secretly hoped to go “rescue” Joseph later and then take the credit for saving him.

When Joseph came near, the brothers seized him and stripped off the clothes he was wearing. Joseph had on his multi-colored tunic - the one he purposely wore around to flaunt himself as the favorite son. His enraged brothers cast poor, almost naked Joseph into a deep, waterless pit and left him there to die.

III. SOLD INTO SLAVERY (v25-36)

While they were eating, the brothers saw a caravan of Ishmaelites passing by on their way to Egypt. One of the brothers, Judah, proposed that they sell Joseph to these traveling merchants. He reasoned that killing Joseph was too extreme - after all, they were brothers. By selling him, they could avoid having “blood on their hands”, Joseph would still be gone, and they’d all make a little money in the process. The brothers agreed that this was a better idea than either killing him or leaving him to die.

There are 2 competing explanations for what happened next. The first is that Reuben, for some unknown reason, was not with his brothers when they sold Joseph to these Ishmaelites (synonymously called Midianites). Thus, when Reuben returned to the pit later he was surprised to find that Joseph was already gone. The second possibility is that Reuben returned to the pit on behalf of his brothers to retrieve Joseph so that they could sell him. However, when he arrived Joseph wasn’t there. Some Midianite traders had already found him and sold him to the Ishmaelites.

Either way, Joseph was long gone. So the brothers slaughtered a goat and dipped Joseph’s colorful coat in its blood. They took the blood-stained tunic to their father Jacob and gave it to him for inspection. The brothers claimed that Joseph had been fatally attacked by a wild animal. Jacob saw the evidence, believed their report, and was devastated to hear that his favorite son was dead. He mourned deeply for many days and refused to be comforted. Meanwhile, the Ishmaelites took Joseph to Egypt and sold him into slavery. He became the servant of Potipher, the captain of Pharaoh’s bodyguard.

Jacob lived the next several years believing that his precious son Joseph was dead. Perhaps his guilty brothers convinced themselves into thinking the same thing. Maybe it helped them sleep better at night. For many years to follow, even as they watched their aging father languish in grief, they kept silent about what really happened. Perhaps they thought that telling him would only cause more harm. Maybe, but sometimes additional pain is necessary so that true healing can begin. In any case, keeping a secret in order to conceal one’s sin is always wrong (Proverbs 28:13).

CONCLUSION

The passage we’ve studied today, like so many others in Scripture, clearly foreshadows the life and death of Jesus Christ. It is yet another striking example of how the entire Bible points to and centers around Jesus. It amazes me how so many people can read the Word of God and still miss this truth. Let me close by making a few notable comparisons...

Joseph was despised and condemned by his own brothers.
Jesus was hated and rejected by His Jewish brethren.

Joseph's brothers plotted evil against him and intended to kill him.
The Jewish priests and religious authorities conspired against and sought to execute Jesus.

Joseph was seized, stripped, and cast into a pit where he was left to die.
Jesus was arrested, stripped, beaten, and crucified on a Roman cross.

After suffering there for some time, Joseph was lifted alive out of the pit.
After 3 days, Jesus miraculously rose from the dead and walked out of the grave.

Joseph was taken to the far-away country of Egypt.
Jesus ascended into Heaven, the glorious Kingdom of God.

Joseph’s brothers chose to hide their guilt from their father.
Many people today refuse to admit their sins and confess them to God.

“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, and the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.” - Proverbs 13:22

Good morning. Today’s message covers 2 chapters, but I will put a greater emphasis on the first and just briefly touch on the second. Genesis 35 records a series of moves and other events that took place in Jacob’s life during the year or so after he and his family left Shechem. This was a difficult time for Jacob, as he would experience much loss. I’ve titled the sermon “Three Funerals”.

I. BETHEL (Genesis 35:1-15)

Following the tragic events that took place at Shechem, the LORD spoke to Jacob and commanded him to move to Bethel. Bethel was a special place to Jacob. It was where God had appeared to him many years earlier, when he fled from his brother Esau on the way to Paddan-Aram. Before leaving for Bethel, Jacob called his family to purify themselves. He gathered all of the foreign gods (ie, idols) and earrings of those in his household and left them behind under an oak in Shechem.

Though his murderous sons had greatly angered the Canaanites in the region, terror fell upon their cities and they didn’t pursue Jacob. After arriving safely at Bethel, Jacob built an altar and worshiped the LORD. God spoke to him there once again. He reiterated that Jacob’s new name was to be Israel. This change had originally been made following Jacob’s all-night wrestling match with God. He also reminded Jacob of the glorious promises of the Abrahamic Covenant that would be realized through him and his descendants.

While they were living at Bethel, Rebekah’s nurse Deborah died. Many Bible commentators suppose that Jacob’s mother Rebekah had sent her nurse Deborah to live with Jacob and his family. It seems likely that she had resided with them for several years, and perhaps even assisted in raising and teaching their children. In any case, she must have been very dear to Jacob and his household for her death to be mentioned. He named the place of her burial Allon-bacuth which means “oak of weeping”.

II. BETHLEHEM (Genesis 35:16-22)

After an unspecified period of time, Jacob departed from Bethel and traveled toward Ephrath (more commonly known as Bethlehem). Along the way, his pregnant wife Rachel suffered in severe labor and pain. As they drew near, she gave birth to a second son named Benjamin. However, it was a difficult delivery and Rachel died during childbirth. Heartbroken, Jacob buried her there and set up a pillar to mark the place of her grave. After mourning her death, he continued on beyond the Tower of Eder (near Bethlehem) and settled there.

For many centuries Rachel’s tomb lay on a deserted roadside. Her descendants would come to this lonely site to pray and remember. Today, because of population growth and expansion, Rachel’s burial site is actually located within Bethlehem’s city limits. It is considered a holy site for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Rachel is revered for having a great sympathy and compassion for her children. The prophet Jeremiah described Rachel as “weeping for her children” in relation to the fall of Judah to the Babylonians (Jer. 31:15). In the New Testament, Matthew applied this prophecy to Herod’s slaughter of the young children in and around Bethlehem following the birth of Christ (Matt. 2:18).

While living near Bethlehem, Jacob’s oldest son Reuben slept with Bilhah, one of his concubines. She was Rachel’s maid and the mother of Dan and Naphtali. While this detail is not elaborated on in this passage, it will become important later in the story...   

III. HEBRON (Genesis 35:23-29)

Including Benjamin, who was substantially younger than his brothers, Jacob now had 12 sons. 11 were born in Paddan-Aram and 1 in Canaan. These men would become the fathers of the 12 tribes of Israel. Unfortunately, Benjamin never knew his mother Rachel.

Jacob left Bethlehem and came to his father Isaac’s house in Hebron. It is uncertain if Rebekah was still alive at this point, as she is not mentioned and her death is not recorded anywhere in Scripture. Nevertheless, Isaac died at the age of 180. Interestingly, Issac was the only patriarch who never left Canaan and remained married to 1 woman his entire life. His twin sons Esau and Jacob buried their father in the Cave of Machpelah (Gen. 49:30-31). 

IV. ABOUT ESAU (Genesis 36)

Though he is not the main character, the patriarchal narrative pauses to devote an entire chapter to the life and posterity of Esau. Years earlier he had married 2 women from among the Canaaites and 1 of his uncle Ishmael’s daughters. Together these women bore Esau 5 sons - Eliphaz, Reuel, Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. Esau also acquired and possessed a significant amount of property, goods, and animals. He and his family moved away from Canaan and lived in the land of Seir. Over time this neighboring country would become known as Edom, a synonym for Esau.

Esau’s descendants were numerous and they became chiefs in the land. They, along with the sons of Seir the Horite, were leaders in the region for many generations. Eventually Edom developed into a prominent kingdom. Several kings reigned over Edom, centuries before the nation of Israel ever came into being. In fact, Moses sought the king’s permission to travel peacefully through Edom during the exodus (Num. 20:14-21). Unfortunately, the nation of Edom historically had a very adversarial relationship with Israel.

CONCLUSION

Within a relatively brief span of time, perhaps just a year or 2, Jacob lost his father Issac, the beloved wife Rachel, and a dear family friend Deborah. Each of these 3 special people were important to Jacob and had made a profound impression on his life. There is little doubt that their deaths, especially coming so close together, caused him tremendous sorrow and grief.

When Rebekah was chosen to be Isaac’s bride and brought to Canaan, her nurse Deborah accompanied her (Gen. 24:61). Deborah was Rebekah’s friend and servant. She likely assisted Rebekah in the upbringing of Jacob (and Esau). Years later, she actually dwelt with Jacob and his family and helped him with their children. Deborah had been a vital part of the family for 3 generations, providing care for Jacob’s mother, then him, and finally his kids.

Rachel was the love of Jacob’s life. He willingly served her father Laban for 14 years in order to pay her steep bridal payment. He showered her favored status, as demonstrated by placing her in the most protected position when Esau approached (Gen. 33:1-2). Rachel’s sons Joseph and Benjamin would become his father’s favorites, probably because they reminded Jacob of her. To this day, Rachel is held in high regard by the Jewish people.

Issac was Jacob’s father and role model. Though he had more in common with Esau, ultimately Issac recognized that Jacob was the chosen son through whom the people of God would rise. Therefore Issac blessed Jacob and took steps to ensure that he remained pure and set apart by marrying outside of the pagan Canaanite culture (Gen. 28:1-5). Issac’s faith in God was passed down to his son Jacob, the greatest inheritance that any father can leave.

I close today with this question… when you’re gone, how will you be remembered? Will the life you’ve lived and the legacy you’ve left point people to Christ or turn them away from Him?

“Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” - Romans 12:17-18

On his way home from Paddan-Aram, Jacob had 3 separate encounters. First, he made a covenant with his uncle Laban (who had chased him down). Second, he wrestled with God all night long and survived. Third, he made amends with his older brother Esau. Following all of these occurrences, Jacob and his family finally arrived in Canaan.

The Bible doesn’t explicitly state how many years passed between Jacob’s departure from Haran and the disturbing events we’ll discuss today in Genesis 24. It is clear, however, that by this point Jacob’s children had grown into young adults. Therefore, it is reasonable to believe that Jacob’s family lived in Succoth and then in Shechem for a combined period of at least 10-20 years (Genesis 33:17-20).  

This morning’s message is titled “Dinah Is Raped”. It is the 20th sermon of “The Chosen Church” series and it covers a pair of rather unsettling topics - sexual assault and homicide. It is my prayer that God will speak to us clearly and powerfully today as we touch on these troubling issues.

I. RAPE (v1-7)

Jacob and his family lived in Shechem. One day Dinah, the daughter of Jacob and Leah, went to see some of her friends. A young man named Shechem (not to be confused with the city’s name) saw her, abducted her, and raped her by force. He was strongly attracted to and infatuated by her beauty. To make matters more complicated, Shechem was the son of Hamor the Hivite - a prince in the land. In other words, this scandal involved a sexual assault perpetrated by a nobleman’s child. In the aftermath, Shechem pleaded with his father to acquire Dinah for him to be his wife.

Hamor went out to find Jacob, hoping to speak with him about the incident. Meanwhile, Jacob had already received the horrifying news that Shechem had defiled his daughter. Though it grieved him deeply, Jacob was able to maintain his composure. However, when Jacob’s sons - Dinah’s brothers - found out what happened they were furious.

Rape is an evil and detestable sin that has been victimizing both men and women since Old Testament times. According to estimates made by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, there were 734,630 people raped in the United States during 2018 (threatened, attempted, or completed). Nearly 1 in 5 women have been raped in their lifetimes (18%), most often by someone they know personally. Approximately 40% of victims are raped before reaching age 18, and 80% before age 25. We as Christians should pray for and support those who have been sexually assaulted and stand against a culture that permits and even glorifies this type of violent behavior.  

II. RESTITUTION (v8-18)

Hamor eventually found and conversed with Jacob and his sons. Hoping to make this problem go away, he and his son committed to give whatever was necessary as a bridal payment for Dinah. Furthermore, Hamor invited all of Jacob’s sons to intermarry with the Hivites so as to become one people. He expressed a desire to share the land and property, and to engage in trade and commerce with each other.

Apparently Jacob didn’t answer immediately, so his sons spoke up for him. They stated that it would be inappropriate and disgraceful to give their sister Dinah to someone who had not been circumcised as they were. They asked that all of the Hivite men be circumcised as a prerequisite condition before marrying any of the young women in Jacob’s camp - including Dinah. Hamor and Shechem believed this to be a reasonable request and agreed to the terms.

We should remember that Jacob and his sons were circumcised in accordance with the Abrahamic Covenant first established between God and their grandfather. They were a distinct and peculiar people, who were not supposed to intermingle with the Canaanite people or acclimate to their pagan culture. They were to be purposely different and set apart for the LORD. Sadly, I fear that in modern times God’s people (the church) have become so entangled with the world that it's often hard to tell the difference. 

III. RETALIATION (v19-31)

Hamor and his son Shechem came to the gates of the city and addressed all of the men gathered there. They told them about the agreement they had made with Jacob’ sons. They described Jacob’s people as friendly and emphasized the merits of joining with them through intermarriage and mutual cooperation. Everyone was convinced that this would be a good thing. Therefore, all of the Hivite men including Hamor and Shechem were circumcised.

On the third day after their circumcision, while they were still suffering from and physically incapacitated by the procedure, 2 of Jacob’s sons snuck into the city with swords and attacked the helpless men. One by one, Simeon and Levi killed every Hivite male who’d been circumcised. They murdered Hamor and Shechem, and took their sister Dinah back. Afterwards, Jacob’s sons looted the city and seized their animals, wealth, wives, and children.

Now Jacob was unaware that his sons had done this. When he found out what happened, he didn’t approve. Instead, he scolded his sons for their vengeful conduct. Jacob feared that the inhabitants of the land would retaliate against him because he had so ruthlessly slaughtered the citizens of the city. His sons vigorously defended their actions by arguing that Shechem couldn’t be allowed to get away with treating their sister Dinah like a harlot.

CONCLUSION

Jacob’s sons had every right to be angry with Shechem for sexually assaulting their sister. His behavior was vile, despicable, and completely unacceptable. He should have been held accountable and properly punished for his misconduct. But I ask you this… what did all of the other Hivites do wrong? What was their crime? Why did Jacob’s sons think it was appropriate or necessary to take their vengeance out on the entire city instead of just the individual responsible? Is it okay for us to condemn and/or perpetrate violence against an entire group of people based upon the actions of one person? Beloved, these questions are relevant to our nation today.

Furthermore, was it appropriate for Jacob’s sons to take matters into their own hands in the first place? Perhaps in ancient times, when there were no police officers or legal systems in place, such an approach was necessary. But as Christians today, what do we believe about vigilante justice? The Bible teaches us not to repay evil with evil or to seek revenge. Instead we are to trust that God will execute justice in His time and in His way (Deuteronomy 32:35). As we stand up and speak out against the sinful acts that permeate our culture, we must be careful not to digress into sinful behavior ourselves.

My friends, the story we’ve discussed this morning took place 3,000 years ago. Yet the issues it addresses and the questions it raises are still very relevant. The fact is - human nature hasn’t changed. Sexual immorality, vengeance, injustice, and the murder of innocents are still prominent in our world today. We are, on our own, an evil and depraved people. And the only true answer to these problems and the dark scourge of sin is Jesus Christ...