We return now to the story of Joseph’s slavery in Egypt. While serving as the manager of his master Potiphar’s household, Joseph resisted the temptation to sleep with Potiphar’s wife and ran away. But she falsely accused Joseph of attempting to sexually assault her, and Potiphar threw him into prison. While there, Joseph (by God’s power) correctly interpreted the dreams of two fellow prisoners. One was executed by Pharaoh. The other was returned to his place in Pharaoh’s service, but forgot about Joseph whom he left behind in the prison.

We can take two main lessons from the story of Joseph’s life in slavery. First, Joseph’s masters Potiphar and the captain of the prison guard clearly recognized God’s hand in Joseph’s life despite the miserable circumstances of his slavery. More importantly, Joseph himself continued to faithfully serve and trust God despite those circumstances. In this, Joseph provides us an example and also models Jesus’ own life of humble service and sacrifice.