410. ACT 7:9. RESEMBLANCE BETWEEN JOSEPH AND CHRIST

Act_7:9. Resemblance Between Joseph And Christ

"And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt, but God was with him."’97Act_7:9.

All kinds of readers are charmed with the history of Joseph. So full of incident we do not wonder at young persons feeling deeply interested in the striking details of holy writ. So evidently distinguished by the finger of divine providence, the pious and contemplative must adore the wisdom and goodness of God, which overruled every event for the furtherance of his own designs, the glory of his name, and the ultimate advancement and happiness of Joseph. The piety of Joseph was striking and exemplary, and runs, like a golden thread, through the entire narrative of his life. But the very peculiar coincidence in many of the events of his history, and similar events in the life of Jesus, has led many to consider him as an eminent type of the Saviour. Without either affirming or denying this, it cannot fail to edify our minds, while tracing the very numerous features of resemblance which exist between them. Observe this,

I. In the Significance of Joseph’s Name.

It signifies especially, increase, or fruitfulness. As such it seemed to point out the ultimate prosperity with which God would bless him. Of Jesus it was predicted, by the prophet Isaiah, that "of the increase of his government and peace there should be no end," ch. ix. 7. John, the harbinger of Messiah, said of him, "He must increase," &c. His name is to endure longer than the sun; all men are to be blessed in him, and call him blessed. His progeny is to outnumber the stars of heaven, and the sands on the seashore. The resemblance is observable,

II. In his Father’s preeminent Affection.

Joseph was the first-born of the beloved Rachel. And it is said, "Israel loved Joseph more than all his children," Gen_37:3. We do not vindicate the evidence which Jacob gave of this, allowing the feeling to be right. But we turn to Jesus and his heavenly Father. He is God’s only-begotten Son. The first-born. The Son of the Highest. And on him all the heart’s affections of the Father were fixed. He was his chosen. God’s soul ever delighted in him, and he proclaimed from the excellent glory, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased," Mat_3:17 "The Father hath loved the Son, and hath given all things into his hand," Joh_3:35.

III. In the Trials and Sufferings which he endured, and the Advancement which followed.

1. Joseph was the subject of his brethren’s envy and dislike.

So Jesus came to his own, but they hated him, and received him not. From envy did they persecute and malign him.

2. While Joseph was on a mission of kindness to them, they conspired against him.

The Jews, the kinsmen of Jesus, after the flesh, also conspired against him, and took counsel to put him to death.

3. Joseph was sold by his brethren for twenty pieces of silver.

So Jesus was delivered for thirty pieces into the hands of his enemies.

4. Joseph was falsely accused and cast into prison.

So was Jesus arraigned, and many false accusations were brought against him. As a prisoner, too, he was scourged and delivered up to his accusers.

5. The predictions of Joseph in his abasement respecting the chief butler and baker, seem to coincide with the declaration of mercy which Jesus made to the dying thief, of an entrance into paradise, while we fear the other perished in hardness and unbelief.

6. The deliverance of Joseph somewhat resembles the resurrection of Christ from the dead, and the rolling away of the stone from the mouth Of the sepulchre where he had been laid.

7. The advancement of Joseph to honor, and riches, and dominion, beautifully sets forth the glorious exaltation of Christ to the right hand of his Father, who hath committed all judgment and authority into his hauls.

8. Joseph provided the bread of life for those who would otherwise have perished So Jesus has provided the bread of everlasting life for a dying world.

9. Joseph mercifully forgave his brethren, and dealt bountifully with them.

So Jesus prayed for his murderers, and gave the first offer of salvation to the guilty sinners of Jerusalem.

10. Joseph provided a dwelling for hi kindred in the rich and fruitful Goshen.

So Jesus has prepared for all his followers everlasting mansions in the kingdom of his glory.

11. Joseph exercised power and authority over all the people.

So Jesus has unlimited power and universal authority, for the Father hath given all things into his hands.

12. God overruled all events, even the malice and wickedness of his brethren, for his final good and exaltation.

So all the affairs of earth and time are under divine control, for the final and universal establishment of Christ’s kingdom and glory, until the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdom of Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever. Such are the chief points of resemblance between Joseph and Jesus.

Application

1. Let the interesting narratives connected with the history of Joseph only serve to incite us to peruse more intently the all-important history of Jesus the Son of God

2. While we honor and admire the stern integrity and sincere piety of Joseph, we are called upon to imitate and walk in the footsteps of Jesus.

3. Joseph conferred temporal benefits upon the people and upon his kindred; Jesus hath obtained eternal redemption for all who obey him. He gives the bread of life, the mercies of salvation, and everlasting glory to all who love him.

4. Joseph endured many sufferings, out now feeble were they when contrasted with the agony and death of the Son of God; and let it not be forgotten, while Joseph suffered on his own account, Jesus suffered expressly and voluntarily for us, and for our salvation, that he might bring us to the enjoyment of the favor, image, and glory of God

Autor: JABEZ BURNS