Deeper Reflection
Mrs Potiphar’s sexual advances were relentless. “Day after day” (v.10) she asked Joseph to sleep with her. Despite the constant pressure, Joseph refused to betray his master Potiphar’s trust and would not sin against God, his ultimate Master. Joseph gave clear moral reasoning in his firm response to his master’s wife (vv.8-9) and took wise precautionary measures to stay away from her presence at the workplace (v.10). When she finally managed to corner Joseph, he quickly fled from the person, place and situation.How should we deal with sexual temptations at the workplace?³⁶ 1. Simply flee from temptations. Don’t entertain temptations – don’t imagine the possibilities nor take any step towards them. Like Joseph, quickly turn and run away (v.12). Don’t stay to rationalise or try to manage temptations, because we are prone to deception by self and the devil. Do a fast getaway from that person, place and situation. “Flee from sexual immorality” (1 Cor 6:18a). Such temptations are commonly faced, but each of us has a choice to flee and take the escape route that God provides (1 Cor 10:13-14). 2. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (Jas 4:7-8a). 3. Seek prayer intercession by two or three close Christian friends whom you trust: “I’m facing these temptations… Please pray for me.” We recall that when our Lord Jesus was experiencing great anguish and internal struggle shortly before going to the cross, He sought out Peter, James and John, and asked them to watch and pray with Him (see Matt 26:36-41).

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³⁶ Reflecting on this episode from the angle of sexual harassment in the workplace, one commentator wrote: “Joseph’s godliness did not rescue him from false accusation and imprisonment. If we find ourselves in a parallel situation, our godliness is no guarantee that we will escape unscathed. …Knowing that we belong to the Lord and that he defends the weak will certainly help us to face difficult situations without giving up. This story is a realistic recognition that standing up to sexual harassment in the workplace may have devastating consequences. Yet it is also a story of hope that by God’s grace, good may eventually prevail in the situation.” (Theology of Work Project, Inc.: https://www.theologyofwork. org/old-testament/genesis-12-50-and-work/joseph-genesis-372-5026/the-schemes-of-potiphars-wife-and-josephsimprisonment-genesis-391-20/)