The Joseph - Jesus Connection
a December series on how the Old Testament points us to Christ
Scripture Reading: Genesis 37-50
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. (Genesis 50:20)
Joseph’s life was a masterpiece of God’s providence. Through all of Jospeh’s trials and troubles, God was orchestrating events to use Joseph as a savior of his people. Thus, in reading these chapters in Genesis, we are not only reading the fascinating story of Joseph’s life, we are reading a foreshadowing of the life of Jesus.
As you read about Joseph’s life, think about how it parallels the life of Jesus.
· Joseph was the son who was especially loved by his father.
· He was rejected and hated by his brothers.
· He was handed over to Gentiles by his brothers.
· He was sold for silver.
· He was falsely accused.
· He was cast into prison. (Think of Jesus being put in a tomb and the stone rolled in front of it.
· He suffered so that he might save his brothers.
· He was exalted out of prison to a kingly position.
· Once set free, he forgave his brethren.
As we read the story of Joseph, we should read it not only as an interesting and exciting story in the history of Israel but also as a reminder of the amazing grace of God that is shown to us through all that Jesus has done for us.
Good stuff.