Joseph the Righteous

17 December 19930 Comments

The main idea of the lecture

The lecture – spoken by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III – explains the personality of Joseph the Righteous, highlighting his virtues, his life struggles, how God accompanied him, and how the evil done against him was turned into blessing. It also addresses the mistakes of Joseph and his brothers, presenting deep spiritual lessons.

Key spiritual themes

The father’s love and the mistake of favoritism

Pope Shenouda points out that Jacob erred when he preferred Joseph over his brothers, causing jealousy and envy. This is a lesson for all parents not to discriminate among their children.

Joseph’s simplicity and human weakness

Joseph was simple-hearted and spoke openly without caution, sharing his dreams in a way that provoked his brothers. This shows the need to avoid stirring jealousy in others.

Evil grows step by step

Joseph’s brothers began with envy, then moved to hatred, cruelty, deceit, and selling him. The Pope explains that sin gives birth to many sins.

Joseph as a symbol of Christ

The Pope draws clear parallels: both Joseph and Christ were betrayed, sold for silver, and God turned the evil done to them into salvation.

God’s presence in the midst of trials

God did not remove problems from Joseph, but He was with him everywhere: in Potiphar’s house, in prison, and in success. Blessing followed Joseph because the Lord was with him.

Purity and chastity

Joseph refused the temptation of Potiphar’s wife despite danger, declaring: “How can I do this great evil and sin against God?” This shows his purity and integrity.

Relying on God alone

When Joseph briefly sought human help from the chief butler, he was forgotten for two years, learning to rely solely on God who never forgets His children.

From prison to authority by God’s hand

The Pope explains how God arranged events perfectly so Joseph would become second to Pharaoh and use his wisdom to save Egypt and the surrounding nations.