As we begin studying the life of Joseph, we begin by introducing the purpose of Joseph's life. Israel and his sons were to carry on the promised seed, the seed of the New Testament church. The purpose of Joseph's life was to suffer at the hands of his brothers, yet it was to save those very same brethren that persecuted him. Joseph was faithful to his unfaithful brothers.
We can learn a lot from this as a faithful church, to those who are in the church that are unfaithful. The remnant must remain faithful, there will come a time of spiritual famine, the faithful church will have the word of God to feed those who had been unfaithful.