Divine Parallels: Exploring the Remarkable Similarities Between Jesus and Joseph

Divine Parallels	Joseph	Jesus
01 -Meaning of his name	Joseph’s Name Meaning (Genesis 30:24): Joseph’s name, as given in Genesis 30:24, means “Jehovah shall add.” This name reflects the idea of increase and addition, suggesting that he would bring blessings and prosperity. Joseph’s New Name (Genesis 41:45): Pharaoh gave Joseph the Egyptian name “Zaphnath-Paaneah,” which is traditionally translated as “savior of the world” in the Septuagint. This name reflects Joseph’s role in saving Egypt and surrounding nations from famine through his wisdom and leadership.	The Contrast with the First and Second Adam: The First Adam, who brought about subtraction through sin and death, and the Second Adam (Jesus), who is likened to a “Corn of wheat” that brings increase and much fruit through His death, is a profound theological reflection. In John 12:24, Jesus indeed speaks of the transformative power of His death, emphasizing that through His sacrifice, many would find salvation and eternal life. Jesus Revealing the Father’s Heart: John 1:18 emphasizes that Jesus revealed the Father’s heart. Jesus’ life and teachings demonstrated God’s love, grace, and desire to add to humanity by offering salvation and eternal life. He is the embodiment of God’s generosity and the ultimate expression of God’s plan to add to His creation through redemption.
02 -Occupation	Joseph as a Shepherd: Joseph, the son of Jacob, is described as a shepherd. This is evident in Genesis 37:2, which states, “Joseph, being seventeen years old, was pasturing the flock with his brothers.”	Christ as the Good Shepherd: In John 10:11, where Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
03 -His opposition to Evil	Joseph’s Truthful Reports: In Genesis 37:2, which states that Joseph brought “evil reports” to his father, Jacob. Joseph’s intentions were not to slander his brothers but to bring to light the truth of their actions.	Jesus’ Opposition to Evil: John 7:7 It says, “The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that its works are evil.” In this verse, Jesus acknowledges that his truthful testimony against the world’s evil actions is a source of opposition and hatred towards him.
04 -His Father’s Love	Joseph as Firstborn of Rachel: Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachel, was actually the 11th son in terms of birth order among Jacob’s sons. However, he held a special place in Jacob’s heart because he was the firstborn of Rachel, Jacob’s beloved wife. This special status is evident in Genesis 30:22-24, where Rachel’s prayer for a child is answered, and Joseph is born.	Jesus as the Beloved Son of God: Jesus is described as the beloved Son of God. In Matthew 3:17, at Jesus’ baptism, a voice from heaven declared, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” In John 10:17, Jesus speaks of His unique relationship with God the Father, saying, “For this reason, the Father loves me because I lay down my life that I may take it up again.” Philippians 2:9 describes how God highly exalted Jesus and gave Him the name above every name. In Matthew 17:5, during the transfiguration, a voice from a bright cloud says, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” Revelation 3:21 emphasizes that Jesus sits with the Father on His throne, indicating His exalted and beloved status.
05 -His Relation to his father’s age.	Joseph as the Son of Jacob’s Old Age: Joseph was born to Jacob (also known as Israel) when he was in his old age. Joseph’s birth is the result of Jacob’s deep love for his wife Rachel, and it is described as a special blessing in Genesis 30:22-24. In Genesis 37:3, where it states, “Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his sons because he was the son of his old age.” Joseph’s birth to Jacob in his old age marked him as special and beloved	Jesus as the Eternally Begotten Son of God: Jesus is the eternal Son of God. He is not a created being but has an eternal, divine existence. This concept is captured in passages like John 1:1, which states, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God,” signifying Jesus’ eternal divine nature. Micah 5:2 prophesies the Messiah’s birth in Bethlehem, emphasizing his eternal significance.
06-His Coat of many Colors	Joseph’s Coat of Many Colors: Joseph was given a special and distinctive coat by his father Jacob as a mark of distinction. This coat symbolized the favor and love Jacob had for Joseph. It is mentioned in Genesis 37:3, which says, “Now Israel [Jacob] loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of his old age. And he made him a robe of many colors.	In all four Gospels, there are references to the casting of lots, and in the case of the first three what is said is broadly similar yet at the same time subtly different. Matthew 27:35 states: And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, ‘They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots’. Mark 15:24 relates: ‘And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take’. The most telegraphic of the Synoptic Gospels is Luke 23:34: ‘And they parted his raiment, and cast lots’. In John 19:23–24, where it is explained: Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among themselves, ‘Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be’. (KJV)
07-Hatred of his brethren.	Joseph’s Hatred from His Brothers: Joseph’s brothers, out of jealousy and resentment, hated him. This hatred was primarily driven by Jacob’s favoritism towards Joseph, which was symbolized by the “coat of many colors” (Genesis 37:3-4). Their animosity led them to plot against Joseph and eventually sell him into slavery (Genesis 37:12-28).	Jesus’ Hatred from the Pharisees: Jesus faced hostility from certain religious leaders, particularly the Pharisees. He revealed God’s truth and righteousness, exposing the hypocrisy of the Pharisees led to their hatred towards Jesus. Psalm 2:12 “Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.”
08- Joseph was hated because of His words	Joseph’s Hated Because of His Words (Genesis 37:4,5,8): Joseph’s brothers hated him not only because of their father Jacob’s special love for him but also because of the words Joseph spoke. Joseph had dreams that he shared with his family, which depicted his future leadership and their bowing down to him. These words further fueled his brothers’ jealousy and animosity.	Jesus Hated Because of His Words: John 5:18: In this verse, the religious leaders sought to kill Jesus because, among other things, he not only healed on the Sabbath but also called God his own Father, making himself equal to God. His words about his divine identity stirred their opposition. Luke 4:28-29: After Jesus preached in the synagogue at Nazareth, the people became furious because of his words and attempted to throw him off a cliff. John 6:41: The Jews grumbled against Jesus because he claimed to be the bread that came down from heaven, a statement they found hard to accept. John 7:7: Jesus acknowledged that the world hated him because he testified that its works were evil. John 10:30-31: Jesus claimed to be one with the Father, and this declaration led to the Jews picking up stones to stone him. John 8:40: Jesus confronted the religious leaders about their rejection of him and their desire to kill him.
09- Joseph was to enjoy a remarkable Future	Joseph’s Remarkable Future (Dreams): Joseph received two significant dreams that foretold his future greatness. These dreams indicated that his brothers and even his parents would bow down to him. His father Jacob recognized the importance of these dreams, as seen in Genesis 37:11, which states, “And his father [Jacob] kept the saying in mind.”	Jesus’ Remarkable Future (Prophecies): Isaiah 9:6-7: Jesus as the promised Messiah, Isaiah foretells the birth of a child who would be called “Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” It also speaks of this child’s future reign, establishing and upholding justice and righteousness forever. Luke 1:31-33: angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to announce the birth of Jesus, he told her that Jesus would be great, called the Son of the Most High, and that the Lord God would give him the throne of his father David. His kingdom would have no end.
10- Joseph foretold his future (Sovereignty).	Joseph’s Dreams of Sovereignty: Joseph had two notable dreams: First dream (Genesis 37:7), he saw himself and his brothers binding sheaves of grain in the field. His sheaf stood upright, while his brothers’ sheaves bowed down to it, symbolizing his earthly authority over his family. Second dream (Genesis 37:9), he saw the sun, the moon, and eleven stars bowing down to him, symbolizing his heavenly or celestial authority.	Jesus’ Assertion of Sovereignty: In Matthew 26:64, during His trial before the religious leaders, Jesus made a powerful declaration of His sovereignty. He said to the high priest, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” This statement affirmed His divine authority and sovereignty over all things, both earthly and heavenly.
11- Joseph was envied by his brethren.	Joseph Envied by His Brethren: Joseph’s brothers envied him due to their father Jacob’s favoritism toward him, which was symbolized by the “coat of many colors” (Genesis 37:3-4). This envy and jealousy led to their animosity towards Joseph, eventually resulting in them selling him into slavery (Genesis 37:11).	Jesus Envied by Religious Leaders: Mark 12:6-7: In the Parable of the Wicked Tenants, Jesus speaks of a landowner sending servants to collect fruit from his vineyard. The tenants, representing religious leaders, mistreat and kill the servants out of envy. This parable reflects the envy and opposition of religious leaders towards Jesus. John 12:18-19: When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, many people believed in Him. This caused the Pharisees to be envious and fearful of His growing popularity among the crowds. Matthew 27:17-18: Pilate, the Roman governor, realized that Jesus was handed over to him out of envy by the chief priests and elders. They were envious of Jesus’ influence and teachings.
12- Joseph sent forth by his father.	Joseph Sent Forth by Jacob (Genesis 37:12-14): Joseph was sent forth by his father Jacob to check on his brothers who were tending the flock far from home. Joseph’s willingness to obey his father’s request and go to his brothers’ location demonstrated his obedience and dutiful nature.	Jesus Obeys the Father’s Will: 1 John 4:10: The Father’s will in sending Jesus into the world as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Jesus obediently fulfilled the Father’s will by offering himself as a sacrifice for the salvation of humanity. Hebrews 10:7: The obedience of Jesus, who willingly came to do the Father’s will. It says, “Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.’”
13- Joseph seeks the welfare of his brethren.	Joseph Seeking the Welfare of His Brethren (Genesis 37:14): Joseph is sent by his father Jacob with the specific objective of checking on the well-being of his brothers who were tending the flock. He was genuinely concerned about their welfare and was willing to go to them to ensure they were doing well.	Jesus’ Mission to Seek and Save (John 1:11; John 3:17): John 1:11: Jesus came to His own people, but they did not receive Him. but by rejecting Jesus, they rejected the Father Who sent Him.. by rejecting Jesus they opened salvations’ floodgates:- for as many as received Him – to them He gave the power to become Sons of God – even to them that believed on the wonderful name of Jesus (John 1:12) John 3:17: The purpose of Jesus’ mission, which was not to condemn the world but to save it. His objective was to seek the welfare of humanity by offering the gift of eternal life through faith in Him.
14- Joseph was sent forth from the valley of Hebron.	Joseph Sent Forth from the Valley of Hebron (Genesis 37:14): Joseph was sent by his father Jacob from the valley of Hebron to check on the well-being of his brothers. Hebron can be interpreted symbolically as a place of fellowship and communion, and the valley signifies peacefulness and rest. Joseph’s departure from this location marked a significant turning point in his life’s journey.	Jesus Sent Forth from Heaven: Jesus is sent forth from Heaven by God the Father to fulfill His mission on Earth. This divine sending emphasizes the unique and heavenly origin of Jesus. He left the divine fellowship with the Father to come to Earth for the purpose of salvation and reconciliation.
15- Joseph came to Shechem	Joseph Coming to Shechem (Genesis 37:14): Shechem, in its symbolic meaning shoulder, can represent burden bearing, service and subjection. Shechem as a place associated with sorrow, sin, evil passions, and bloodshed, as seen in the historical events of Genesis 34:25-30. Joseph’s arrival at Shechem is part of his journey, which includes trials and suffering.	Joseph Taking the Servant’s Place: Philippians 2:6-7: Jesus, though He existed in the form of God, humbled Himself and took the form of a servant. He willingly emptied Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
16- Joseph now became a Wanderer in the field	Joseph as a Wanderer in the Field (Genesis 37:15-16): Joseph is described as wandering in the field while seeking his brothers. This wandering represents his journey away from home and into the wider world, where he faced various trials and challenges.	The Field Symbolizing the World in the New Testament: John 7:53; 8:1: These verses in the New Testament are found in some manuscripts and describe a situation where Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Then they all went home, but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Luke 22:39-43 And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him.
17- Joseph seeks until he finds his brethren.	Joseph Seeking Until He Finds His Brethren in Dothan (Genesis 37:17): Joseph’s determination to find his brothers and his eventual discovery of them in Dothan illustrates his persistence in fulfilling his mission, even though it led him to face challenges. Just as Joseph went for searching for them where they are expected to be in Hebron (meaning Fellowship with God) but rather found his brethren Dothan(Dothan means the Law or customs)	Jesus’ Persistence in His Ministry: Peter’s Concern (Mark 9:8): In Mark 9, when Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James, and John, Peter suggested building shelters for Jesus and the prophets. However, Jesus did not stop there but continued on His path, displaying His unwavering commitment to His mission despite potential distractions or attempts to spare Himself from the hardships ahead. Ministry in Various Locations: Throughout His ministry, Jesus traveled to synagogues, streets, towns, and regions like Galilee, Samaria, Capernaum, and beyond. He persistently preached the Gospel, healed the sick, and reached out to people, even when faced with opposition from religious leaders and challenges along the way. Jesus continued His ministry tirelessly, both driven by a sense of purpose and mission. The reference to finding the brethren under the bondage of the Law in Mark 9:8 highlights Jesus’ mission to liberate people from legalistic practices and lead them to a deeper understanding of God’s grace and love.