Is it just me or do these statements about Joseph strongly parallel and foreshadow Him who was to come?
- Joseph was hated by his brothers. (cf. Luke 19:14; Acts 3:14)
- Joseph’s brothers sold him for 20 pieces of silver. (cf. Mt 26:15)
- Joseph went down to Egypt. (cf. Matt 2:13)
- Joseph was 30 years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. (cf. Luke 3:23)
- The land of Egypt was famished, the people cried for bread, and Joseph fed them. (cf. John 6:48).
- Joseph was unknown and unrecognized by his brothers when they came to buy grain. (cf. John 1:10)
- The ten brothers came to buy food. Joseph gave it to them free of charge. (cf. Eph 2:8-9; Rev 21:6)
- The ten brothers were put in prison for three days. (cf. Matt 12:40)
- Joseph made himself known to his brothers. (cf. Mark 8:29-32)
- Joseph welcomed reconciliation with his brothers and kissed them. (cf. Luke 15:20)
- Joseph showed compassion, grace, and forgiveness to his brothers. (cf. Matt 20:34; Zech 13:1; Is 54:7-8)
- Joseph wanted his father to see “all my glory in Egypt.” (cf. John 17:24)
- Joseph made ready his chariot and went forth to meet Jacob. (cf. Is 66:15)
- Joseph’s brothers fell before him and bowed themselves before him. (cf. Is 25:9)
Is Joseph a symbol of Someone future and distant? Is he an example prepared and evidently designed by God to prefigure our Lord? Did God place in Joseph an anticipation of Christ?
Whether or not Joseph fits the precise definition of a type of Christ, I am stirred the more to worship the Lord Jesus Christ by the parallels I see in Joseph.
Now, how about for those of us living on this side of the cross? Rather than foreshadow Him, we have the distinct privilege to reflect His image as we imitate Him (1 Cor 11:1), to become like Him (Phil 2:5; Rom 8:29) and to be transformed into His image (2 Cor 3:18).
I trust that is front and center with you. It will have been a shame to have done anything less with our lives. May God’s grace abound to you for Christlikeness!