Gen. 39-40
Joseph leaves a great example to aspire to…and such a contrast from his deceitful father! They actually say that Joseph is a type of Christ – a foreshadowing of the Messiah – and there are indeed multiple parallels between Joseph and Jesus. It is said that there are over 100 parallels between Joseph and Jesus – you can probably find multiple articles on the topic. Here are a few:
1. Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt, much like Jesus was lowered to live as a human on Earth.
2. Both resisted temptation, were falsely accused, and descended into prison / hell.
3. While in prison, Joseph ‘gave’ life to one man and death to another, even as Jesus will separate all mankind at the Judgement throne.
4. And both rose from the depths to rule over all the Earth.
It all makes sense, because the entire Bible story is a picture or prototype of God’s plan for redemption for His people through His son, Jesus Christ. He paints pieces of this picture in so many fascinating ways throughout scripture, and this is just one of them. The more I study the Bible, the more I see this, and, quite frankly, it blows my mind. I don’t think we even understand ‘the tip of the iceberg’ of who and what God is and is capable of…or what He has done and is doing (has done from His perspective, as He is not bound by time as we are!). How can I not be willing to sacrifice whatever is required to devote myself fully to such a God? And yet I am so easily distracted by so many things.
Matt. 21:23-46
This is one of many hard conversations Jesus has with the religious leaders, but they refuse to hear, to understand, and to repent. Pride is a very powerful thing and being in a position of power seems to multiply its effect. I must constantly strive to “guard [my] heart and [my] mind in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:7) that I might remain humble and not succumb to the power of pride. When life becomes unjust and unfair, let me remain humble and uncomplaining like Joseph and simply serve where I am planted.