Illustration: an example of God's love in the Old Testament that reflects the Gospel.
"You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me." (John 5:39 NKJV)
We see a foreshadowing of the Gospel in the life of Joseph. We see glimpses of Jesus and the Gospel in the story of Joseph. (Genesis 37-50)
Here is a summary of Joseph’s life and some of the parallels that I see pointing to Jesus.
His father, Jacob, loves Joseph. (Jacob gave a special coat to set him apart from his brothers – at Jesus' baptism, He was set apart from others. "This is my beloved, whom I am well pleased." Matthew 3:17) But Joseph was hated by his brothers. (Genesis 37:1-4) Joseph has his dreams that all would bow down to him. (Genesis 37:5-11) Then his brothers plot to kill him but instead sold him into slavery for 20 pieces of silver. (Genesis 37:12-36) Do you see any parallels?
Joseph lives an honorable life - fleeing temptations but is falsely accused and tossed into prison. (Genesis 39:1-23) There in prison, Joseph sits between two prisoners who both had dreams. Joseph interpreted the dreams, and one was executed, and the other was restored to his position in serving the Pharaoh according to the dream. Joseph told that restored prisoner: "Get me out of here!" (Genesis 40:1-23). Jesus died between two thieves; one was executed; the other was restored to live with Jesus.
Two years later, Pharaoh has two dreams, and Joseph interprets the dreams of the coming famine and is exalted to second in command over Egypt at the age of 30. (Genesis 41:1-57) Jesus rose from the grave to sit at the right hand of the Father. So, Joseph came out of his "tomb of death" and rose to power next to Pharaoh.
During the famine, Jacob sends his ten sons to Egypt to buy grain. (Genesis 42-44). At first, Joseph did not "reveal" himself and showed kindness and love instead of judgment. Jesus, before revealing Himself to us – showed us kindness (and no judgment). We did not deserve that kindness.
Joseph loved his brothers – even though they were undeserving. “You meant it for evil; God meant it for good.” Genesis 50:20-21 (Genesis 45-50). Jesus prayed: “Father, forgive them – they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)
God used Joseph to save his brothers and the pagan Egyptians.
7. Do you see the Gospel of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection in Joseph's life in Genesis 37-50?
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8. How does the story of Joseph and his brothers demonstrate this idea of love?
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