In Genesis chapter 37, we’re introduced to Joseph. The story of Joseph is the familiar and well-loved story of a young man who was given a special coat by his father, hated by his brothers and had God-given dreams of greatness.
Beginning in Genesis chapter 37 and continues on to end of the book, the whole of Joseph’s life is meant to serve as a reflection of the life of Jesus. The following are some of the ways you see Joseph’s life reflecting the life of Jesus:
- Like Joseph, Jesus was born to reign. (Philippians 2:10.)
- Like Joseph, Jesus was the favored Son. (Matthew 3:17.)
- Like Joseph, Jesus’ favored status and honesty created jealousy and tension with others who desired the favored status. (John 8:31-59 and John 11:48.)
- Like Joseph, Jesus was stripped of His clothing. (John 19:23-24.)
- Like Joseph, Jesus was sold by those closest to Him. (Luke 22:4-6.)
- Like Joseph, Jesus’ apparent death caused His Father great pain. (Luke 23:44-46.)
- Like Joseph, Jesus’ mistreatment was meant for evil, but God turned it to good. (Romans 8:28) (1 Corinthians 1:27-29) (1 Corinthians 2:7-9.)
- Like Joseph, Jesus shows mercy to those who have mistreated Him. (Romans 5:8.)
These are all very interesting reflections, but what do they have to do with you and me?
Just as God used the life of Joseph to demonstrate the life of Jesus, God wants to use our lives to demonstrate Jesus also. Through the good and the bad of life, God wants to use us to demonstrate the love, grace, mercy, and salvation found in Christ to those around us.
When others view the story of your life, do they see you, or do they see Jesus?
Bret Legg is the Teaching and Counseling Pastor at Warren Baptist Church in Augusta, GA.