Joseph, the Beloved Son

A picture of Jesus, God’s Only Begotten Son

Today's Through the Bible Reading: Genesis 37-39

Abbreviated Reading: Genesis 37; 38:1, 11-23

It has been said that there are over 300 ways in which Joseph is a type of Christ. There are few studies that stir the Christian’s heart like seeing God’s promises fulfilled. Through the life of Joseph, God was giving His people a glimpse of His promised Son. As New Testament Believers we can look back and compare those promises with their perfect fulfillment in Christ!

It's All About JESUS! He is the very essence of the Scriptures. The Old Testament points to Him and the New Testament reveals Him. We've seen Jesus from the beginning: God’s Word spoken in Genesis 1:1 (Jn 1:1); the promise of a Redeemer in Genesis 3:15; He is pictured in the life of Abraham and Issac (Gen 22); and throughout the book of Job. Now we find types, pictures, and shadows of Him throughout the life and circumstances of Joseph.

Consider the following types and promises from Genesis chapter 37 and how Jesus was and is the perfect fulfillment:

Joseph was his father’s beloved son (Genesis 37:3)

Jesus was God’s beloved son:

“And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matt. 3:17

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

Joseph was a shepherd (Genesis37:2)

Jesus is the Good Shepherd:

“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” John 10:11

Joseph lived in Hebron (which means "fellowship") with his father (Genesis 37:14)

Jesus had fellowship with His Father from the beginning:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1

“…that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.” John 17:24

Joseph’s father sent him to Shechem (which means "the shoulder") a place of toil & trouble (Genesis 37:14)

Jesus was sent to this world to shoulder our sin (a place of toil & trouble):

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

Joseph went to his own family (his brothers) and they did not receive him (Genesis 37:19)

Jesus was sent to his own and they did not receive him:

“He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” John 1:10, 11

Joseph’s brothers were jealous and envious of Joseph and conspired against him (Genesis 37:20)

The Pharisees were jealous and envious of Jesus and conspired against him:

“Then the Pharisees went out and plotted against Him, how they might destroy Him.” Matt. 12:14

Joseph was thrown into a well but wasn’t left there forever (Genesis 37:22)

Jesus was thrown into a grave but rose again:

“…Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” I Cor. 15:3, 4

Joseph was sold for 20 pieces of silver (Genesis 37:28)

Jesus was sold for 30 pieces of silver:

“Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, "What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?" And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver.” Matt. 26:14, 15

Joseph’s special coat was ruined and soaked in blood (Genesis 37:31)

They cast lots for Jesus’ garment as he was crucified:

Then they crucified Him, and divided His garments, casting lots, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet: "They divided My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots." Matt. 27:35

Jesus gave up His place in Heaven to save sinners like you and me. Jesus was stripped of His garment and bore a pierced and blood soaked body that we might wear robes of righteousness. He bore a crown of thorns that we might be children of the King.

How sweet a Savior!

There’s more…keep looking for Jesus in today’s reading and be sure to share what you find in the comments below. I’d love to hear what you find.