The story of Joseph begins by highlighting why he became to be despised by his brothers. Firstly he tells his father the wrong activity they were engaged in (v2). Being honest and upright can bring consequences which we need to be ready for.

Secondly there was favouritism (v3-4) as he was more loved by his father than any of his brothers. The favouritism likely came from him being the oldest son of Jacob’s beloved wife Rachel. Jacob isn’t too subtle about his favouritism as he present this special robe to Joseph.

Favouritism is something that is dangerous in any family including the church family. There always needs to be fairness in our actions (see James v1-4).

The final aspect to Joseph being despised was his dreams about his family bowing down to him (v5-11). Joseph is often pictured as being arrogant in sharing these dreams, but all that he was doing was passing on the word of God which came through these dreams. God’s people need to be prepared that even when we do the right thing we can be despised.