JOSEPH IS A TYPE/FORESHADOW OF  CHRIST!

Here is a brief summary of some of the key features of Joseph as a type of Christ. This should help us appreciate the consistency of the Bible truth and see how the Old and New Testaments are inextricably bound together.

1. Joseph’s brothers envy him because Jacob favors him, and they conspire together to sell him as a slave to a company of merchants making their way to Egypt. Compare this to Jesus: Matthew 27:18
2. The trials Joseph faced in Potiphar’s house are like Jesus who is given a role, but is despised by those around him, Matthew 4:1
3. He is committed to prison though innocent: cp John 19:6
4. Joseph restores (raises to life) the butler and condemns the sin of the baker. CP the raising of Lazarus, John 11:43
5. His elevation to the right hand of Pharaoh. Jesus exalted by God, Hebrews 12:2; Philippians 2:9; John 3:35
6. He is able to interpret dreams. John 2:25 Jesus knew what was in man.
7. Joseph’s separation from his brothers results in the time of preparation for his brothers to come to him for saving. Jesus will go and come again, John 14:3
8. Their second visit; he makes himself known to them, then invites Jacob and his family into Egypt. 2 Thessalonians 1:7 &10
9. Joseph’s life was providentially directed for the purpose of preserving Israel’s posterity in the earth. Genesis 45:7-8 cp 2 Timothy 1:10

Genesis, the book of ‘beginnings’, closes with a reference to the bones of Joseph being placed in “a coffin in Egypt”. This is remarkable in the light of how Egypt is viewed today as a land of death and tombs! It was Joseph who made his brothers swear they would take his bones when they left Egypt. This is incredible testimony that Joseph believed in the promise that God made to Abraham in Genesis 15:13.