As a coach, parent and teacher, the Bible reveals to readers that God is impartial, Romans 2:11. Meanwhile, if you show partiality to one person over another, James 2:9, this is considered a sin by one of Jesus’ earthly brothers. In the passage below, Moses points out that traits and qualities within Joseph persuaded Jacob to hold him in high regards as his favorite son.
Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children because he was the son of his old age, and he made him a [distinctive] long tunic with sleeves. 4 But when his brothers saw that their father loved [Joseph] more than all of his brothers, they hated him and could not say, Peace [in friendly greeting] to him or speak peaceably to him, Genesis 37:1-4.
Moses doesn’t go into specific details of exactly how Jacob loved Joseph more than his other sons, but the mention of a special tunic highlights Jacob’s favoritism. As a parent, when the actions of one child go above and beyond the others, this child is easy to love. However, Jesus calls Christians to love everyone, especially your enemies and those who persecute you, Matthew 5:43-45.
So they went with haste and [[g]by searching] found Mary and Joseph, and the Baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known what had been told them concerning this Child, 18 And all who heard it were astounded and marveled at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary was keeping [h]within herself all these things ([i]sayings), weighing and pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, just as it had been told them, Luke 2:16-20.
If Joseph’s brothers were frustrated, think about all of Jesus’ younger brothers and sisters. From early on, Mary knew that Jesus was special. When a child is conceived without having sex, any woman is going to wonder why this happened and who is this child going to become. Some people are blessed with a gift that makes them likeable, often more than everyone else. Therefore, if you aren’t the one everyone is talking about, reflect upon your purpose in life, 1 Corinthians 12:6-7.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 