Joseph was born into a dysfunctional family and sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. He was wrongly imprisoned without trial after being falsely accused of sexually harassing his master's wife. While in prison, Joseph remained diligent and showed kindness to his fellow prisoners, interpreting their dreams by the power of God. Though the chief cupbearer forgot about Joseph after being released, in time Joseph too was released from prison and went on to interpret Pharaoh's dreams, rising to prominence in Egypt through God's blessing. The experience taught Joseph compassion and to find freedom in God's spirit despite his circumstances.

1. Joseph – Life in the Prison
2 Cor. 3 v.17 – 18 “Now the Lord is the Spirit,
and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is
freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces
all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being
transformed into his likeness with ever
increasing glory, which comes from the
Lord, who is the Spirit.”

2. Social Services Report: Joseph Bar-Israel
The prisoner was born into a highly dysfunctional family.
His father had 4 wives of which two were no more
than servant girls therefore had no rights whatsoever
over their children.
The prisoner’s mother died when giving birth to his
only true brother.
This meant he had 3 step-mothers.

3. Social Services Report: Joseph Bar-Israel (2)
He had 10 older half-brothers who were known for
their violence.
Their jealousy caused them to sell the prisoner to
people traffickers.
He was transported by force into an alien land and
sold into slavery.
The prisoner was a hard and diligent worker but is
accused of sexually harassing his master’s wife.

4. Court Summary: The prisoner was imprisoned
without trial.
Psychologist’s Report – Joseph Bar-Israel
Strongly convinced of his own importance.
Has a deep sense of rejection and not belonging,
Believes there is only one God

5. Potential emotional response of the prisoner
Bitterness
Rage
Anger
Brawling
Slander
Malice
Desire for revenge

6. The internal walls of our external prison
become the mirrors that enable us to see the
prison bars which hold our soul in captivity.
Eph.4 v.31 “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and
anger, brawling and slander, along with every
form of malice.”
V.32 “Be kind and compassionate to one
another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ
God forgave you.”

7. Was it possible for Joseph, a wrongfully imprisoned
young man, to have compassion and forgive:
Potiphar’s wife
Potiphar himself
His older brothers
His parents
Those who represent the system

8. Psalm 66 v.10 – 12
“For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like
silver.
You brought us into prison and laid burdens
on our backs.
You let men ride over our heads; we went
through fire and water,
But you brought us to a place of abundance.”

9. Genesis ch.39 v.20b – 23
v.21 “The Lord was with him; he showed him
kindness and granted him favour in the eyes of
the prison warder.”
v.23. The Lord was with Joseph and gave him
success in whatever he did.”

10. Gen. 40.
v.6 he saw they were dejected
Why are your faces so sad today?
We both had dreams
Do not interpretations belong to God?’
v.4 Joseph attended them.
Tell me your dreams.

11. Gen.40 v.14/15 – “But when all goes well with you,
remember me and show me kindness; mention me
to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison. For I was
forcibly carried off from the land of the Hebrews,
and even here I have done nothing to deserve
being put in a dungeon.”
Within 3 days
The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember
Joseph; he forgot him. - - -
Gen. ch.41 v.1 “When two full years had passed”

12. Isaiah 61 v.1b “He has sent me:
to bind up the broken-hearted,
to proclaim freedom to the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,”
2 Cor. 3 v.17 “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where
the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
1 Thess.5 v.19 RSV “Do not quench the Spirit”
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the
Lord’s glory,”