As Jacob sent his much-loved son on that long search for his brethren, how reluctant he must have been to part with him. What tender thoughts and deep concern for this young lad were in the heart of the aging father, for he well knew the roughness of his brethren toward him. As the days went slowly by his heart surely yearned for his return, that their joy in companionship might again be resumed.
Nor was God unaware of His beloved Son’s “wandering in the field” of this world. How frequently we find that blessed One speaking to His Father in prayer, often continuing all night. Then, how comforting to the One who chose to be the Man of Sorrows, were those words from His Father: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matt. 3:1717And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. (Matthew 3:17). Our glimpses of that relationship are very feeble indeed, but we know it was His great love for us that led God to send His Son into this wicked world that He might redeem us unto Himself.
Joseph found his brethren in Dothan. “And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him. And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh.” vv. 18,19. Jesus told the Jewish leaders, in parable form, of another conspiracy, given in detail in Matthew 21. There a householder (God in type) planted a vineyard (Israel) and sent his servants to receive the fruit thereof. But the servants were beaten and killed. “Last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.” v. 37. But, like the brethren of Joseph, when the husbandmen saw the son they too said among themselves, “Come—let us kill him.” The son in the parable we readily identify as God’s own Son, who was slain by those to whom He came.
“As Joseph proceeded toward his brethren, even before he came near they said: “Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, some evil beast hath devoured him; and we shall see what will become of his dreams.”
Joseph had not yet actually reached his brothers. Yet their hearts were so filled with hatred they did not wait to hear what message he might bring them from their father. Still he was his representative, coming down to their company, expressing a father’s interest in their affairs, bringing them his favor and instructions.
The Lord Jesus also presented Himself as the One sent from the Father. “I seek not Mine own will,” He said, “but the will of the Father which hath sent Me... “I am come in My Father’s name, and ye receive Me not.” John 5:30,4330I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. (John 5:30)
43I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. (John 5:43); again: “He that hateth Me hateth My Father also.” John 15:2323He that hateth me hateth my Father also. (John 15:23). The desire of Joseph’s brethren to kill their brother was also an expression of hatred against their father with whom he was so closely attached in affection. Lack of love toward their father was evident by their readiness to deceive him. They said, “We shall say, some evil beast hath devoured him,” caring not for the grief this would bring to their aged parent.
ML 02/12/1967