LEADERSHIP: JOSEPH AS A LEADER Lesson Note

Bible References

Genesis 37:1–28 – Joseph's early life and his brothers' betrayal.

Genesis 41:1–57 – Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams and appointment as governor.

Genesis 45:1–15 – Joseph reveals himself to his brother

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the lesson students should be able to;

1.State who is a leader

4.indentify the leadership qualities of Joseph

Who is a Leader?

A leader is a person who guides, conduct, persuade and direct affairs for the purpose of achieving a set of goals.

While, leadership has to do with the power and ability to guide, protect and motivate a group of people so as to bring the best out of them for the purpose of improving their spiritual, moral and material states.

It calls for some outstanding qualities which the leader must possess to achieve these objectives

These qualities includes: fear of God, honesty, faithfulness, loyalty, courage, accountability, magnanimity, dedication to duty, selfless service, patriotism, hard-working and exemplary living etc.

Joseph was the son of Jacob and Rachel. He was one of Jacob's twelve sons and was especially loved by his father.

Joseph's brothers became jealous of him because their father loved him greatly. Jacob gave Joseph a special coat of many colours, which increased his brothers' hatred towards him.

Joseph also had dreams which suggested that his family members would one day bow down to him. When he told his brothers about these dreams, they became even more jealous and angry with him.

One day, Jacob sent Joseph to check on his brothers who were looking after their father's sheep. When they saw him coming, they planned to kill him. Reuben, however, persuaded them not to kill him. Instead, they put Joseph into a pit.

Later, some Ishmaelite/Midianite traders passed by. Joseph's brothers sold him to them as a slave. He was taken to Egypt.

Joseph was taken to Egypt and sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. Joseph worked faithfully in Potiphar's house, and God blessed his work.

However, Joseph was falsely accused by Potiphar's wife and was sent to prison.

Even in prison, Joseph remained faithful and responsible. God gave him the ability to interpret dreams.

Later, Pharaoh had troubling dreams that none of his wise men could interpret. Joseph was brought before Pharaoh and, with God's help, explained the dreams. He told Pharaoh that Egypt would experience seven years of plenty followed by seven years of severe famine.

Joseph also suggested that food should be stored during the years of plenty so that there would be enough during the famine.

Pharaoh was impressed by Joseph's wisdom and appointed him to oversee the preparation for the famine. Joseph became a powerful ruler in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh.”I now appoint you governor over all Egypt. The King have Joseph the Egyptians name Zaphenath paneah and he gave a wife, Asenath the daughter of potiphera a priest in the city of Heliopolis.

Joseph organized the collection and storage of grain. When the famine came, Egypt had enough food, and people from other countries came to Egypt to buy grain. However Joseph was thirty years old when he became the governor of Egypt.

Joseph demonstrated many excellent leadership qualities:

Joseph remained faithful to God even when he was a slave and prisoner.

He wisely interpreted Pharaoh's dreams and developed a plan to save Egypt from famine.

Joseph worked diligently in Potiphar's house, in prison and later as a governor.

He refused to commit adultery with Potiphar's wife despite the temptation.

Joseph endured slavery, false accusation and imprisonment without abandoning his faith.

He courageously stood before Pharaoh and explained the meaning of the dreams.

Joseph planned ahead by storing food during the seven years of plenty.

He accepted responsibility for managing Egypt's food supply.

When Joseph's brothers came to Egypt, he forgave them instead of taking revenge.

Joseph cared for his family and provided food for them during the famine.

Joseph acknowledged that the ability to interpret dreams came from God.

He identified the coming famine and found a practical solution before it occurred.

*A good leader should remain faithful during difficult times.

*Leadership requires wisdom and good planning.

*A leader should not abuse power.

*Hard work and faithfulness can lead to greater responsibilities.

*Leaders should forgive rather than seek revenge.

*Good leaders care about the welfare of others.

*We should recognize God as the source of our abilities and success.

*Difficult experiences can prepare a person for future leader