Session 4 Questions - Nov. 4 @ 10_18 pm
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Colorado Christian University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
212A
Subject
Arts Humanities
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
Pages
5
Uploaded by SargentNightingale3772
1
Session 4 Questions
1.
What were the circumstances that led to Joseph’s brothers’ treatment of him
Genesis 37:1- of the NRSV speaks to the fact that Joseph was the favorite son of his
father It is also on mentioned, that Joseph reports to his father in a way that casts ill light upon
his brothers. In addition, his father gave him an elegant robe, which was demonstration of his
favoritism toward Joseph. Also, Joseph made know to his brothers, the dreams that he would
have and the contents of those dreams seemed to be threatening to his brothers self-worth, or
place within their father’s life.
II.
What character traits do you see emerge in Joseph in response to his encounter
with Potiphar’s wife?
Based on the account of Genesis 39, Joseph proves himself to have personal integrity. He
is faithful to God’s commands and honors the vows between a husband and wife, even as
Potiphar’s wife herself did not hold the same moral values. In my opinion it also shows that
Joseph is a man of strong will power and self-respect. He is loyal to God’s commands and does
not covet things which are not meant for him.
“But he refused and said to his master's wife, Look, with me here my master has no
concern about anything in the house, and he has put everything that he has in my hand. He is not
greater in this house than I am, neither has he kept anything back from me except for yourself,
because you are his wife” (
Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version
, 1997, Genesis 39:8-9).
Joseph considered himself as equal, but respected the boundaries and commitments of his
master.
2
I find it rather astounding that upon being falsely accused by Potiphar and then
imprisoned, there is no mention of Joseph speaking contrary to the accusation. He does not
appear to defend his innocence or even attempt to express his side of the circumstance.
Neither
did he speak ill of his brothers, in documented form, when he was sold into slavery.
This shows amazing restraint and acceptance of the crosses that he is to bear.
III.
What circumstances led to Joseph’s favor with the king?
Joseph was able to interpret the kings dreams, just as he did those of the baker and the
cupbearer that had been imprisoned by the king. With Joseph’s ability to do so, the king was able
to prepare himself and his people for the coming years of feast and famine.
“The proposal pleased Pharaoh and all his servants. Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we
find anyone else like this-one in whom is the spirit of God?” So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since
God has shown you all this, there is no one so discerning and wise as you,””(
Holy Bible, New
Revised Standard Version,
1997, Genesis 41:37-39).
IV.
Based on this biblical account of Joseph, what characteristics do you see in
Joseph that led to his position of influence and leadership? How does this connect to your
readings during your time in this course?
Joseph became a leader based on characteristics, such as loyalty, commitment, integrity,
grit, dependability, humility, adaptability and faithfulness. Many of those characteristics are
found within the quoted scriptures within my previous answers, such as his response to his
brothers’ mistreatment of him, his response to Potiphar’s wife and his willingness to endure, due
to his faith in God’s favor.
3
Each hardship Joseph faces if followed by a scripture that is similar to the following:
“But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor…,” (
Holy
Bible, New Revised Standard Version,
1997, Genesis
39:21).
These characteristics are strewn throughout much of the reading for this course,
particularly by Smith (2011) when he speaks to our three callings in life. For no matter if the
focused upon calling is to be a Christian, to serve through vocation or to serve through everyday
matters, leadership plays a key role. For it is leadership that causes us to acknowledge our call
and our responsibility.Stepping up to any type of call takes tenacity and if nothing else leadership
of self, through intentional choices and actions.
V.
Based on your experience as a leader or with leaders you have worked with, what
are two principles of leadership you can take from the story of Joseph and apply to
effective leadership?
For me, one of the most important characteristics of leadership is adaptability, another is
humility. If a leader is unable to adapt, the title will not be held for long. If a leader does not lead
with humility, growth will not occur, without growth there is no room for collaboration and
without collaboration, there will be no one and nothing to be the leader of.
Joseph was adept at both being humble and adaptable. According to the story in Genesis,
at seventeen years of age, he was a sheep header and by the age of thirty he had been the
overseer appointed by Potiphar, then the Pharaoh. He had gone from sheepherder to overseer, to
prisoner to dream interpreter for the king, to near ruler of the land based on his ability to make
choices for the inhabitants.
Below are specific examples of
scripture that speak to both his adaptability and humility.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
4
“When some Midianite traders passed by, they drew Joseph up, lifting him out of the pit,
and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt,”
(
Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version,
1997, Genesis 37:28). (Adaptability)
“Now Joseph was taken down to Egypt and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of
the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him down there,”
(
Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version,
1997, Genesis 39:1).
(Adaptability)
“So Joseph found favor in his sight and attended him; he made him the overseer of his
house and put him in charge of all he had,” (
Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version,
1997,
Genesis 39:4). ( Adaptability-From sheepherder to captive to trusted overseer)
“But he refused and said to his master's wife, Look, with me here my master has no
concern about anything in the house, and he has put everything that he has in my hand. He is not
greater in this house than I am, neither has he kept anything back from me except for yourself,
because you are his wife” (
Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version
, 1997, Genesis 39:8-9).
(Humility in knowing what was just and unjust)
“I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it. Joseph
answered Pharaoh, It is not I; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer,” (
Holy Bible, New
Revised Standard Version,
Genesis 41:15-16.) (Humility-giving capability to God, yet taking
accountability for the call)
5
References
Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version
. (1997). World Publishing.
Smith, G. T. (2011).
Courage and calling: Embracing your god-given potential
(Revised and
Expanded ed.). IVP Books.