By Faith Jacob and Joseph
Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

Faith at the End of Life

Hebrews 11:21 says, “By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshipped, leaning on the top of his staff.” This moment reflects a powerful truth: genuine faith remains active, even in life’s final moments. Jacob was old, frail, and confined to bed, yet he summoned his strength to worship God and bless his grandsons, Ephraim and Manasseh. What makes this so remarkable is that Jacob did this despite not seeing the fulfillment of God’s promises with his own eyes. He never possessed the promised land, yet he believed, blessed, and worshipped with confidence in what God had declared.

The Promises Were Still Alive

In Genesis 48, Jacob recalls God’s covenant promises: the land, the descendants, and the seed through whom all nations would be blessed. Jacob had been given the same promises as Abraham and Isaac, and even though he lived and died in Egypt—far from Canaan—his faith in God’s word never wavered. By adopting Ephraim and Manasseh as his own, Jacob passed on those promises as though they were certainties. His actions were based on conviction, not circumstances.

Faith That Overrides Custom

When Jacob placed his right hand on Ephraim, the younger, and his left on Manasseh, the older, he was deliberately bypassing the usual birthright order. This wasn't a mistake; it was intentional. Just as Isaac had blessed Jacob over Esau, Jacob now favored Ephraim over Manasseh. God’s plans don’t always align with human expectations. Jacob’s spiritual insight and trust in God's sovereign choice led him to bless Ephraim as the greater. He did so “knowingly” because he believed in God’s guidance, not tradition.

Worship in Weakness

Jacob’s decision to rise, sit up, and worship—while on his deathbed—teaches a vital lesson. Worship is not about convenience. Worship flows from faith. Despite his failing body, Jacob praised God. Many today offer excuses when they’re tired or unwell, but Jacob shows us that true worship stems from inner conviction, not external ease. He worshiped because he trusted God’s promises, even when his life was ending and those promises were unfulfilled in his lifetime.

Joseph’s Life of Persevering Faith

The very next verse in Hebrews 11 highlights another example: “By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones” (Hebrews 11:22). Joseph’s life had been filled with trials—betrayal by his brothers, slavery, false accusations, and years in prison. Yet through it all, he never gave up on God. He believed the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Though he had never seen the land of promise, he commanded that his bones be taken there, trusting God’s word over centuries of delay.

Faith That Sees Beyond the Present

Joseph’s statement in Genesis 50:20 sums up his perspective: “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” This was not blind optimism; it was deep, tested faith. Joseph recognized that God had used his pain, his abandonment, and his injustice for a greater purpose. His example shows us how to remain faithful in adversity, trusting that God is always working, even when life is hard.

The Ultimate Fulfillment in Christ

Paul, writing in Galatians 3:16, explains that the promises made to Abraham and his seed ultimately pointed to Christ. Jacob and Joseph’s faith looked forward to this seed—the Messiah. Their belief wasn’t merely in land or legacy; it was in the coming Redeemer. Everything in Genesis—the blessings, the trials, the preservation of the Israelite line—was leading to Jesus. Our faith today must rest in that same Messiah, the One who died and rose again.

Sermon Outline: By Faith Jacob and Joseph

1. Faith at the End of Life
   • Hebrews 11:21; Jacob blesses and worships
   • Dying but still believing
2. The Promises Were Still Alive
   • Genesis 48:3–5; God’s covenant passed down
   • Ephraim and Manasseh treated as Jacob’s own sons
3. Faith That Overrides Custom
   • Genesis 48:12–20; blessing the younger over the elder
   • Spiritual discernment above tradition
4. Worship in Weakness
   • Jacob rises and worships despite frailty
   • True worship flows from faith, not convenience
5. Joseph’s Persevering Faith
   • Genesis 50:15–21; enduring betrayal, slavery, prison
   • Trusting God through pain
6. Faith That Sees Beyond the Present
   • Hebrews 11:22; Joseph speaks of the Exodus
   • Genesis 50:24–25; burial instructions
   • Long-term confidence in God’s word
7. Fulfillment in Christ
   • Galatians 3:16; the promised seed is Christ
   • Everything pointed to the coming Redeemer

Call to Action

The faith of Jacob and Joseph reminds us that even in old age, sickness, hardship, or waiting, God’s promises are sure. Like Jacob, we must rise and worship, no matter the cost. Like Joseph, we must endure and trust, even when mistreated or forgotten. And above all, we must fix our faith on Christ, the seed promised through their lineage. Do not let difficulty cause you to give up. Believe what God has said. Act on His promises. Worship Him in spirit and truth. And if you need to respond in faith today—by believing, repenting, confessing Christ, and being baptized into Him—do not delay. The same faithful God who kept His word to Jacob and Joseph will keep His word to you.

Scripture References

• Hebrews 11:21–22
• Genesis 48:1–20
• Genesis 50:15–21
• Acts 27:25
• Galatians 3:15–16