What can we learn from Joseph's brothers' actions in Genesis 37:18? Trouble Brewing in the Distance “ But they saw him in the distance, and before he reached them, they plotted to kill him.” (Genesis 37:18) The Slow Drift from Resentment to Violence • Resentment had already taken root: “His brothers were jealous of him …” (Genesis 37:11). • Left unchecked, jealousy matures into hatred and murderous intent (James 1:14-15). • Even covenant sons of Jacob illustrate Jeremiah 17:9—“The heart is deceitful above all things.” Sin Begins Internally • The brothers’ feet never move until their hearts first agree on evil. • Jesus reaffirms this pattern: “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder …” (Matthew 15:19). • Lesson: Guard inner life; external obedience collapses when internal desire is corrupted (Proverbs 4:23). Contempt for God-given Authority • Joseph’s dreams were divine revelation (Genesis 37:5-10). • By plotting against Joseph, they resisted the very word of God; contempt for a messenger is contempt for the Sender (1 Samuel 8:7). • Rejection of God’s authority always breeds conflict (Romans 13:2). Breaking the Sixth Commandment Before It Was Carved in Stone • God had already declared the sanctity of life after the flood: “Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed” (Genesis 9:6). • Their plot shows that knowledge of right and wrong does not guarantee obedience; the law exposes, it doesn’t empower (Romans 7:7-8). God Overrules Human Evil • Though their plan was vile, the Lord would use it to position Joseph for Egypt and eventual deliverance (Genesis 50:20). • Romans 8:28 shines here: God works “in all things”—even premeditated hatred—for His good purposes. Personal Takeaways for Today • Diagnose jealousy early; confess it before it metastasizes. • Value every human life as sacred, resisting even “harmless” fantasies of harm. • Submit to God’s revealed plans rather than resisting them when they challenge personal pride. • Trust that God can redeem even the worst intentions against you for His glory and your good. Walking in the Light of Love • “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Whoever does not love remains in death.” (1 John 3:14) • Joseph’s brothers model what love is not; Christ models what love is—laying down life rather than plotting to take it (1 John 3:16). • Real discipleship replaces jealousy with joyful affirmation, hatred with sacrificial care, and murderous thoughts with life-giving words. |
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