Suffering with Character, Rising with Hope

Parashat Miketz, Genesis 41:1–44:17
Benjamin Juster, Elim Messianic Congregation, Saint Johns, FL

Parashat Miketz—meaning “at the end”—opens with the words “At the end of two full years. . .” referring to the final stretch of Joseph’s imprisonment following the false accusations from Potiphar’s wife. But behind those two years lies a far longer story of waiting, injustice, disappointment, and perseverance.

Joseph was only seventeen when his brothers sold him into slavery. He spent years serving faithfully in Potiphar’s house before being falsely accused and sent to prison. Scholars estimate that by the time Pharaoh’s cupbearer remembered him (Gen 41:9-13)  Joseph had been imprisoned for up to twelve years.

Think of that: twelve years of suffering for righteousness. Twelve years of being forgotten. Twelve years with no guarantee of release.

And yet, what do we consistently see in Joseph’s response?

Integrity. Service. Faithfulness.

Not bitterness. Not self-pity. Not revenge.

Most of us don’t respond that way. When we’re mistreated, blamed unfairly, or overlooked, the first instinct is often anger, self-defense, or despair.

But Yeshua calls us to a different way:

• “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you . . . on account of Me.” (Matt. 5:11–12) 

• “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matt. 5:44)

• “Love your enemies . . . do good . . . expecting nothing in return.” (Luke 6:35)

Our response to suffering is not just an emotional reaction—it is a revelation of character. And it is precisely in these moments that the world sees what kind of followers of Yeshua or disciples we truly are.

There is a legendary oral tradition about the Chafetz Chaim, the influential Lithuanian Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan, who was once called to testify in a Polish courtroom. Before he spoke, the defense attorney offered an elaborate description of the rabbi’s righteousness through numerous accounts of mitzvot and wise counsel. The judge, unimpressed, assumed the stories must have been exaggerated to give the rabbi greater credibility. 

Sensing the judge’s doubt, the lawyer responded, “It may be that not every detail is perfectly accurate. But tell me, your honor—do people tell stories like this about you and me?”

The room was silent.

A person’s character, consistently lived out, leaves an unmistakable impression. Joseph had that kind of character. Yeshua embodied it perfectly. And we are called to walk in it. These are a few qualities that mark the disciples of Messiah:

1.   A Disciple Suffers with Character

Joseph’s life foreshadows the humility and obedience of Messiah:

“He humbled Himself—becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Phil 2:8).

Yeshua’s path to exaltation passed through suffering. Joseph’s path to authority passed through suffering. Our path to spiritual maturity does the same.

2.   A Disciple Is Ready When God Calls

After two more years of waiting, Pharaoh dreams. The cupbearer remembers. Joseph is summoned. And what does Joseph say? “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh the interpretation.”

That single sentence demonstrated such honesty and humility that Pharaoh trusted him with the entire nation. As Rabbi Chaim Shmuelevitz of the last century explained, Pharaoh saw one moment of integrity and extrapolated a lifetime of trustworthiness (Sichos Mussar, Ma’amar 11).

This is our calling: “Always be ready to give an answer . . . with humility and reverence . . . keeping a clear conscience” (1 Pet 3:15–16).

When God opens a door, character—not charisma—is what makes us ready.

3.   A Disciple Has Eternal Hope

Joseph never knew when—or if—freedom would come. He had no countdown clock on the wall of his cell. His hope was not in circumstances but in God’s promises.

Paul echoes this truth: “suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Rom 5:3–4).

Hope comes after character is formed in adversity. Many of us know what it’s like to live through seasons that feel unjust:

• Losing a job.

• A medical crisis draining our savings.

• Broken relationships.

• Faithfulness met with hardship.

We cry out, “Why now? I’m doing everything right!” Joseph teaches us to see God’s hand even when nothing makes sense.

In a moment, everything can change. The Chofetz Chaim noted that when the moment of redemption came, Joseph wasn’t slowly transferred out of prison—he was rushed out in an instant. This, he said, is how final redemption will come: suddenly, decisively, in God’s perfect timing.

You may feel like you’re in the pit, the plantation, or the prison—but in one moment, God can move you closer to His promise.

What do we look for in the character of others? Pharaoh saw one small act of honesty and elevated Joseph. We often do the opposite—we see one flaw in someone and write them off. Look for small strengths in those around you, not small weaknesses. Encourage the good you see in them, and people will grow into it.

Later in the narrative, Joseph tests his brothers by recreating the original conditions of their sin. Would they betray a favored brother again? Instead, they prove they had changed. They were no longer envious, no longer driven by hatred. Not only did they demonstrate teshuvah, but transformation. True teshuvah shines when we face the same temptation and choose differently.

Where are you this week? 

Pit.
Potiphar’s house.
Prison.
Palace.

Wherever you are, Joseph’s life reminds us:

• God is forming your character

• God is preparing you for a moment of purpose

• God will redeem—suddenly, at the right time

• God works all things for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28–29)

May this Shabbat anchor your hope, refine your character, and prepare your heart for the doors God is about to open.