As a young man living in his father’s home, Joseph was given two Divine revelations, dreams, messages from God concerning the future. In the first dream, Joseph saw symbols of his brothers bowing before him (Genesis 37:5-8). In the second, Joseph saw, not just his brothers, but also his parents, bowing to him (Genesis 37:9-11). Joseph must have been confused by these images, especially as he sat in an Egyptian prison (Genesis 40). But today, we have the benefit of God’s Word… we know that when Joseph was elevated to become the Prime Minister of Egypt, the world bowed to him… including his family (Genesis 41-45). God revealed His Divine plan to Joseph, the seer, just as He revealed everything to His Son.
After being falsely accused by Mrs. Potiphar, Jacob was sent to prison where he languished with two others, Pharoah’s “chief cupbearer and chief baker” (Genesis 40:2). Two prisoners… remember that Jesus hung on the cross between two prisoners (Mark 15:27).
On the cross, one of the criminals rejected Jesus and died. The other called out, “Jesus, remember me, when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus responded, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:42–43). In Egypt, Joseph revealed the meanings of the two prisoner’s dreams. The baker, Joseph proclaimed, would surely die (Genesis 40:19). The cupbearer was promised life (Genesis 40:12-13). Joseph, like Jesus proclaimed liberty to the captives! (Isaiah 61:1-2; Luke 4:18).
The parallels in the two stories are striking.
Joseph was delivered from the place of death (Genesis 41:1-13). Jesus was delivered from the grave (Matthew 28:5-6).
After being set free, Joseph was given a change of clothing (Genesis 41:14-15). Jesus left his old clothing in the grave and was clothed in glory (John 20:6-7).
Joseph promised Pharoah “peace” (Genesis 41:16, NJKV). Jesus promised His followers the same. “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you” (John 14:27) and “since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).
Joseph became a wonderful counselor (Isaiah 9:6) to Pharoah and warned of imminent danger. “Seven years of great abundance” would be followed by “seven years of famine… The famine will devastate the land” (Genesis 41:29–30). Jesus warned, “Don’t fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28).
One last parallel… like Jesus, Joseph the seer, spoke prophetically, and was never wrong.
“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).
Comments