The story of Joseph being sold into slavery is a fascinating narrative found in the Book of Genesis in the Bible, chapters 37-50. Here are some cool facts about this story: Favorite Son: Joseph was the 11th of Jacob's 12 sons and was his father's favorite. Jacob showed his favoritism by giving Joseph a richly ornamented robe, often referred to as the "coat of many colors." Dreamer: Joseph had prophetic dreams that hinted at his future rise to power. In one dream, he saw his brothers' sheaves of grain bowing down to his sheaf, and in another, the sun, moon, and eleven stars were bowing to him. These dreams fueled his brothers' jealousy and anger. Betrayal by Brothers: Joseph's brothers were envious and conspired to kill him. However, Reuben, the eldest brother, suggested they throw him into a pit instead, intending to rescue him later. Judah then proposed they sell Joseph to a passing caravan of Ishmaelites (or Midianites) to avoid bloodshed. Sold for 20 Shekels: Joseph was sold for 20 pieces of silver, a common price for a slave at that time. The traders took him to Egypt, where he was sold again to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and the captain of the guard. Rise in Egypt: Despite being a slave, Joseph gained favor in Potiphar's household due to his integrity and the Lord's blessing. However, he was falsely accused by Potiphar's wife of trying to seduce her and was imprisoned. Dream Interpreter: While in prison, Joseph interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker. His accurate interpretations eventually led to his release when Pharaoh had troubling dreams that no one could interpret. Joseph correctly interpreted Pharaoh's dreams as foretelling seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. Second in Command: Impressed by Joseph's wisdom, Pharaoh appointed him as the second most powerful man in Egypt, placing him in charge of storing grain during the years of plenty to prepare for the famine. Reunion and Forgiveness: During the famine, Joseph's brothers came to Egypt to buy grain, not recognizing him. After a series of tests, Joseph revealed his identity and forgave his brothers, inviting Jacob's entire family to live in Egypt. This reunion set the stage for the Israelites' eventual enslavement in Egypt and the Exodus story. Symbol of Providence: Joseph's story is often seen as a powerful example of divine providence and redemption. Despite his trials, Joseph remained faithful, and his hardships ultimately led to the preservation of his family and the future nation of Israel. Cultural Impact: The story of Joseph has had a significant cultural impact, inspiring countless works of art, literature, and even modern musicals like Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." These elements make Joseph's story one of the most compelling and richly layered narratives in the Bible. #bible #god #jesus #biblestudy SHARE, SUBSCRIBE, COMMENT @wearebuilt4god ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pBBFprKX-w

The title "Son of Man" is the most frequently used self-reference by Jesus in the Gospels, appearing approximately 80 times. It is a profoundly significant title for several reasons, both in the context of Jesus' identity and in the broader narrative of the Bible: Humanity and Humility: First and foremost, "Son of Man" emphasizes Jesus' humanity. In its simplest form, the phrase could be seen as a reference to being a human being. This aligns with the Christian doctrine of the Incarnation, which states that Jesus is both fully divine and fully human. The title underscores His solidarity with humanity, His experience of human life, and His humility in choosing to live as a human among humans. Divine Authority and Eschatological Role: The title "Son of Man" also has deep roots in Jewish apocalyptic literature, particularly in the Book of Daniel (Daniel 7:13-14). In a vision, Daniel sees "one like a son of man" coming with the clouds of heaven, approaching the Ancient of Days (a title for God), and being given authority, glory, and sovereign power over all nations and peoples. By using this title, Jesus links Himself to this prophetic figure who has a cosmic role and divine authority. This association would not have been lost on His Jewish listeners, who would understand the messianic and end-times implications of this figure. Fulfillment of Prophecy: By referring to Himself as the "Son of Man," Jesus identifies Himself as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning a coming deliverer who would establish an everlasting kingdom. This not only situates Jesus within the prophetic tradition of Israel but also highlights His role in the divine plan for the world's redemption. Suffering and Redemption: In the Gospels, particularly in Mark, Matthew, and Luke, Jesus often links the title "Son of Man" with His impending suffering, death, and resurrection (e.g., Mark 8:31, Matthew 17:22-23, Luke 9:22). This connection underscores the paradoxical nature of His mission: the one who has divine authority and eternal dominion is also the one who must suffer and die for humanity's sins before being raised to life again. Mystery and Revelation: The use of "Son of Man" by Jesus is often seen in contexts that reveal His identity gradually or in riddles. It serves both as a disclosure and a concealment of His identity, inviting His listeners to ponder deeply who He is and what His mission entails. In sum, the title "Son of Man" is not just a claim to be human or to a special role; it is a rich, multifaceted designation that captures the essence of Jesus' earthly mission, His divine nature, His prophetic fulfillment, and His redemptive work. This title invites reflection on the mystery of Jesus' identity as both God and man, who comes to serve, to suffer, and to save. PLEASE LIKE, SHARE, SUBSCRIBE, AND COMMENT! @wearebuilt4god . ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSFe8STwa24