Joseph Has a Dream – A Lesson from Genesis 37
The Book of Genesis is full of life lessons. One of the most memorable stories is when Joseph has a dream. This moment begins a chain of events that will change his life and the future of Israel.
We also read about the famous coat of many colors, a symbol of Jacob’s love for Joseph. But as we’ll see, favoritism and jealousy quickly come into play.
Joseph in the Bible – A Seventeen-Year-Old with Big Dreams
“Now Jacob lived in the land where his father had sojourned, in the land of Canaan. These are the records of the generations of Jacob. Joseph, when seventeen years of age, was pasturing the flock with his brothers… Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his sons, because he was the son of his old age; and he made him a varicolored tunic.” – Genesis 37:1-3 NASB
Joseph was only 17 when his story takes off. While working with his brothers, he gave their father a bad report. On top of that, Jacob openly favored Joseph. This special treatment, along with the coat of many colors, made his brothers furious.
The Dreams That Changed Everything
Things became even more tense when Joseph had a dream about his future. In his dream, he saw his brothers bowing down before him. When he shared it, they hated him even more.
“Please listen to this dream which I have had; for behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and lo, my sheaf rose up and also stood erect; and behold, your sheaves gathered around and bowed down to my sheaf.” – Genesis 37:6-7 NASB
His brothers asked in anger, “Are you really going to rule over us?” Their jealousy grew stronger. Then, Joseph had another dream—this time the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed down to him. Even Jacob rebuked Joseph, though he quietly kept the vision in mind.
You can read more about life lessons from Joseph in the Bible here.
Lessons from Joseph’s Story
Joseph – The Favorite Son
If you grew up with siblings, you know what it feels like when a parent shows favoritism. Joseph’s brothers could see that Jacob loved him more, and their resentment grew daily. This tension set the stage for betrayal.
About the Coat of Many Colors
While the famous tunic often gets the spotlight, the deeper issue was Jacob’s uneven love. He showered Joseph with attention, but his other children felt left out. You can see similar patterns in families today. Favoritism doesn’t only cause jealousy—it can break relationships apart.
Jealousy and Resentment
The brothers’ jealousy of Joseph didn’t vanish. It grew into hatred. The sin of Reuben and others would later play a role in this family’s struggles. Jealousy, as Jesus warns, destroys from the inside out.
What Parents Can Learn
If you are a parent, favoritism may feel natural. But God calls us to love without conditions. Jesus reminds us in Matthew:
“Freely you received, freely give.” – Matthew 10:8
This truth applies to our children too. We may feel closer to one child at times, but our actions should show equal love. God pours out His love evenly—whether to a doctor, a farmer, or someone struggling on the far side of the world. Shouldn’t we do the same?
What This Genesis Bible Lesson Teaches
The story of Joseph in the Bible teaches us about jealousy, favoritism, and God’s bigger plan. Joseph’s dreams seemed far-fetched, but they pointed to the future God had prepared. His journey reminds us that God works even when people plot against us.
If you’d like to go deeper, explore more Bible study lessons on Joseph, Jacob, and others. These stories hold truths for our daily lives.
Love in Christ,
Bob
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