I suppose that many of the facts in the life of Joseph are well known because of the Musical created by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
But there are many lessons that were not seen and made clear in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s work. God ‘s Word however is very clear and plain in the things it teaches and it behoves us to take notice. There are many spiritual and practical lessons to be learned in this portion of the Word of God. We need to take warning if we are to live a well balanced and peaceful life.

THE DEVOTION OF HIS FATHER verse 3
It is a failing of some parents to show more affection to one offspring than the others for whatever reason. We can be sure that it will perceived by others with devastating consequences.
This was the start of the problems in the life of Joseph especially when Jacob made him a very special coat. “ ... his brothers ... hated him” v 4
We must be very careful especially in family life not to show partiality it can bring about very difficult and dangerous repercussions as we shall see.

THE DREAMING OF JOSEPH Verses 6 - 9
God revealed to Joseph in some dreams the things that he was going to do with his life. What was shown to him in a dream did actually come to pass. Well, it was not the coat that compounded the problems it was the dreams that Joseph had and insisted telling the whole family. When God reveals personal things and the way he blesses us, maybe, we should be careful how we tell others, in case they think we are boasting and making it look as if God favours us above others. Could this have been the result of his father showing him favouritism.

THE DESPISING OF HIS FAMILY verse 10
You see the results of Joseph making God’s revelation to him public, led to his family being envious. “his brothers envied him” v 11
We ourselves must learn not to become jealous and covetous because there is no doubt it will lead to other more obvious sins.

THE DEED OF HIS BROTHERS Verses 18 - 28
The hatred and envy in his brothers hearts turned to murderous thoughts. These thoughts turned into planning how they could get rid of him.
First they wanted to kill him but Reuben did not let this happen.
They decided to put him into a pit and then later sold their own brother into slavery .
”...the brothers....... Sold Him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver.” v. 28 But we need to remember that “God is not mocked;

For whatever a man shall sow, that also shall he reap”. Gal 6:7

THE DECEIVING OF JACOB Verses 31 - 33
They still had not finished their sinning. They took the offending coat and soaked it in blood of a young goat. They then began to lie and plan the deceit of their own father. “This have we found: discern now whether it is thy son's or not”. verse 32 They were endeavouring to give the impression to their father that Joseph was dead, which brought him great sorrow. They did not for one instance consider what results their action bring to others. Rom 14:7 “For none of us lives to himself”,
This was deliberate and planned sinning it was not a fall when tempted. This they would have to live with and accept the consequences of their own deliberate actions. We can be sure that we cannot and will not be able To hide our sin from God. God will always have the last word.

Rom 14:12 “So then each of us shall give an account concerning himself to God”.

THE DESIGN OF GOD Ch 41 to 45.
In all that was taking place no one considered that maybe somewhere God had his hand upon Joseph after all that had happened Joseph knew that it was God’s hand and purpose. Gen 45:7 “So God sent me before you to preserve you”