Genesis 37:29–36 (ESV)
Joseph Sold by His Brothers
29 When Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not in the pit, he tore his clothes 30 and returned to his brothers and said, “The boy
is gone, and I, where shall I go?” 31 Then they took Joseph’s robe and slaughtered a goat and dipped the robe in the blood. 32 And they sent the
robe of many colors and brought it to their father and said, “This we have found; please identify whether it is your son’s robe or not.” 33 And he identified it and said, “It is my
son’s robe. A fierce animal has devoured him. Joseph is without doubt torn to pieces.” 34 Then Jacob tore his garments and put sackcloth on his loins and mourned for his son many days. 35 All
his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted and said, “No, I shall go down to Sheol to my son, mourning.” Thus his father wept for him. 36 Meanwhile the
Midianites had sold him in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard.
Joseph
is betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery. Yet God spares Joseph’s life in order to fulfill His plan and the dreams He had revealed. When sin is not dealt with, it breeds even more wickedness. Joseph’s brothers let their hatred lead to
betrayal and lies. Many years later, God’s Son was betrayed by His friend, not for 20 shekels but for 30 pieces of silver. Yet this also took place so that God could fulfill His plan for our salvation.
I pray: Heavenly Father, enable us to help those in need. Turn us away from self-pity and worry to compassion and sympathy.
Send Your Holy Spirit to strengthen our faith in times of trial. In the Savior’s name we pray. Amen.
Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The
Lutheran Study Bible (p. 75). St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House.