Righteousness vs UnRighteousness

Genesis 37-38

Read 37:1-11

Tell the Story of chapters 37-38

Jacob Shows Favoritism

Jacob favored Joseph over all his children

son of Rachel Jacob’s favorite wife

smart kid, wise beyond his years, who excelled in all he did

Jacob’s sons see his favoritism

Joseph’s coat

Joseph’s oversight of his brothers

Parents should learn from Jacob’s mistakes

Christians should remember that our Father is no respecter of persons and we shouldn’t be either.

Jacob’s Sons Show Hatred

They hate Joseph for Jacob’s favoritism

the family dynamic set the stage (multiple marriages, favored wife, younger son supervising the older)

They hate Joseph because he excels above them and shares his dreams of their eventual homage to him.

Siblings should be careful and learn from Jacob’s sons.

Christians should be careful and learn how to treat their brothers and sisters in Christ.

Judah Shows Promise Amidst Failures

Judah stops the murder of Joseph

Judah tries to provide Tamar a kinsman redeemer, but lets his fear turn him from righteousness

Judah realizes Tamar’s righteousness is greater than his

We should learn from Judah

Compromised righteousness has consequences

To keep our word

To look inward at our own hearts

In spite of our many failures, God is in control and is a merciful and gracious God, Who loves and looks out for His people

Jesus Shows Love

Like Joseph, Jesus was hated by the people he was destined to save

Like Jacob, God the Father’s Child died so that His children might be saved

Like Joseph, Jesus was raised providing the Way His people would be saved

Like Jacob, God the Father’s Child returned to Him in all His glory and victorious