A Type of the Lord Jesus
In Joseph, beloved of his father, 1 faithful in his service, hated by his brethren, suffering for righteousness, and exalted to save and bless, we see a very beautiful type of the Lord Jesus in service, suffering, and glory.
JOSEPH IN SERVICE (Gen. 37:2). He was sent by his father on an errand of love; he was envied and hated by his own brothers, who agreed to kill him. So it was with Jesus. You might look up the Scripture references as we go along, and link them with this story. They tell that the Lord Jesus loved His Father (John 3:35), and was sent with a message of love (John 3:16), to His own (John 1:11), but they received Him not. They hated Him and conspired to kill Him (John 15:24; Matt. 21:38).
JOSEPH SOLD (Gen. 37:24). They stripped him of his “coat of many colors” and sold him for twenty pieces of silver—the price of a slave. So Jesus was stripped and sold (Matt. 26:14; 27:28) into the hands of wicked men.
JOSEPH IN PRISON (Gen. 39:20). In Egypt, Joseph suffered for righteousness, as Jesus did at the hands of the world (Acts 4:27). There he was “numbered with the transgressors” (Isa. 53:12). One of Joseph’s fellow prisoners was exalted: the other was hanged. So from Calvary, one converted thief went to Paradise: the other died a railer.
JOSEPH BEFORE PHARAOH (Gen. 41:14). Because of his wisdom and his faithfulness, Joseph was raised from the dungeon to the place of ruler (Psa. 105:20-22). There he received a new name, “Zaphnath-Paaneath,” meaning “The Saviour of the world,” revealer of secrets, which is just what the Lord Jesus is (1 John 4:14). God has “highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow.” Philippians 2:9,10.
JOSEPH EXALTED (Gen. 41:43). In Egypt, Joseph received a Gentile bride, and Afterward revealed himself to his brethren, who in their need were brought to him, owned their guilt, were forgiven, and dwelt “in the land” over which Joseph ruled. The Lord Jesus is through the gospel taking out a people for Himself from among the Gentiles—the Church, His bride, for whom He is coming soon. Moreover, He will yet be owned as the true Messiah by His brethren, the Jews, who once slew Him. He will be not only King of Israel, but King of kings and Lord of lords. Those who put their trust in Him as Saviour, and share His reproach and rejection now, will share His throne of glory in that soon coming day.
Memory Verse: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26:3.
ML 04/18/1965