Catholic Activity: Jesse Tree, Day 9 — Joseph

Symbols: Coat of many Colors, Coat with long sleeves, Sheaf, Silver Coins, Bag with Silver Coins

Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his children, because he was the son of his old age; and he made him a long robe with sleeves. But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably to him. (Genesis 37:3-4)

Joseph was the eleventh son of Jacob and the first born son of Rachel. Joseph's brothers were furious that their father favored their younger brother above all of them. When Jacob gave Joseph an expensive, long-sleeved coat (translated in the Septuagint as a "coat of many colors"), they were jealous and conspired against him. Long sleeves would have been worn by rich people who did not do manual labor, as the sleeves would get in the way.

Like Christ, Joseph was sold for silver, but the hand of God led him to become a leader of the nation of Egypt. Later, his brothers, leaders of the Chosen People after their father Jacob, came to Egypt and settled under his rule. The many-colored or long-sleeved coat has become the symbol of Joseph since it was so instrumental in his life.

DIRECTIONS

Recommended Scripture Readings:

• Genesis 37:3-4, 12-24, 28
• Genesis 45:3-13

Selections from The Catechism of the Catholic Church:

• CCC 309-314 Providence and the scandal of evil

Jesse Tree Overview
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Printable PDF Jesse Tree guide: The Jesse Tree: Advent 2023

Activity Source: Original Text (JGM) by Jennifer Gregory Miller, © Copyright 2003-2023 by Jennifer Gregory Miller