Joseph’s life has many types in it regarding Jesus. Look for them! In this prophetic way we are given insight into the favored heart of Jesus, something often underestimated when reflecting on His life. Joseph’s position among his brothers, his brother’s treachery, his personal challenges, his personal humbling, and what we can glean from his life of faith are all huge as we contemplate our own lives of faith.
Genesis 37-50 cover the story of Joseph. Probably one of the most triumphant moments in the Bible is found in Genesis 50. After all Joseph had been through. Oh my.
“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones. So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.” – Genesis 50:20,21
As Stephen was martyred in Acts 7 he tells Joseph’s story:
“The patriarchs became jealous of Joseph and sold him into Egypt. Yet God was with him, and rescued him from all his afflictions, and granted him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and he made him governor over Egypt and all his household. Now a famine came over all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction with it, and our fathers could find no food.”
“But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers there the first time. On the second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph’s family was disclosed to Pharaoh. Then Joseph sent word and invited Jacob his father and all his relatives to come to him, seventy-five persons in all.” – Acts 7:9-12