Joseph in the Old Testament:
Son of Jacob and Rachel:
Background: Joseph is the eleventh son of Jacob and the first son of Rachel. He is Jacob’s favorite son, which causes jealousy among his brothers.
Dreams: Joseph has dreams that suggest he will rule over his family, which further angers his brothers.
Betrayal and Slavery: His brothers sell him into slavery, and he is taken to Egypt. They deceive their father into thinking Joseph is dead.
Rise to Power: In Egypt, Joseph eventually rises to become the second most powerful man under Pharaoh after interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams and predicting a severe famine.
Reunion: During the famine, his brothers come to Egypt to buy grain. After testing them, Joseph reveals his identity and forgives them, bringing the whole family to Egypt.
Joseph in the New Testament:
Joseph, Husband of Mary:
Background: Joseph is a carpenter from Nazareth, a descendant of King David.
Marriage to Mary: He is betrothed to Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Divine Revelation: When he learns of Mary’s pregnancy, an angel appears to him in a dream, explaining that the child is conceived by the Holy Spirit. Joseph obeys and marries Mary.
Protector of Jesus: Joseph protects the young Jesus by fleeing to Egypt with Mary and Jesus to escape King Herod’s massacre of infants. They return to Nazareth after Herod’s death.
These two Josephs are key figures in the biblical narrative, each playing crucial roles in God’s plan for His people.
