Divine Parallels: Exploring the Remarkable Similarities Between Jesus and Joseph - Part 2

Divine Parallels: Exploring the Remarkable Similarities Between Jesus and Joseph – Part 2

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Divine Parallels: Exploring the Remarkable Similarities Between Jesus and Joseph – Part 1

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The narrative draws intricate parallels between the life of Joseph in the Old Testament and the life of Jesus in the New Testament. Joseph’s betrayal by his brothers, his suffering, and his rise to prosperity are likened to corresponding events in Jesus’ life, from conspiracies and disbelief to insults and false accusations. The symbolism extends to Joseph’s servanthood reflecting Jesus washing His disciples’ feet, and Joseph’s blessings mirroring Jesus’ role as a source of blessings to the world. The connection deepens as Joseph’s resistance to temptation aligns with Jesus’ victory over temptations in the wilderness. The typological thread continues with Joseph’s silence in the face of false accusations, echoing Jesus’ silent endurance during His trial. This culminates in Joseph’s unjust imprisonment, drawing parallels with Jesus’ unjust sentencing and crucifixion, completing a rich tapestry of parallels between the two narratives.

18- Joseph Conspired against	Joseph’s Conspiracy (Genesis 37:18): In this passage, Joseph’s brothers conspired against him, plotting to harm him before he even approached them. Their jealousy and hatred led to a conspiracy against Joseph, which eventually resulted in him being sold into slavery.	Conspiracy Against Jesus’ Birth and Ministry: Herod’s Conspiracy at Jesus’ Birth: King Herod, upon hearing of Jesus’ birth as the prophesied King of the Jews, conspired to have Him killed. He ordered the massacre of infants in Bethlehem in an attempt to eliminate the perceived threat (Matthew 2:1-18). Conspiracies During Jesus’ Ministry: Throughout His ministry, Jesus faced opposition and conspiracies from religious leaders and others who were threatened by His teachings and influence. Matthew 12:14, for example, mentions a plot against Jesus’ life, prompting Him to withdraw from the area.
19- Joseph’s words disbelieved	Joseph’s Words Disbelieved (Genesis 37:19-20): In these verses, Joseph shared his dreams with his brothers, which foretold his future authority and their submission to him. However, his brothers disbelieved and mocked him because they couldn’t grasp the significance of his words, which ultimately led to their jealousy and animosity.	Joseph’s Words Disbelieved (Genesis 37:19-20): In these verses, Joseph shared his dreams with his brothers, which foretold his future authority and their submission to him. However, his brothers disbelieved and mocked him because they couldn’t grasp the significance of his words, which ultimately led to their jealousy and animosity. Contemporary Disbelief: Today, there are still individuals who struggle with disbelief in Jesus’ words and His identity as the Son of God. John 3:18 and John 3:36 highlight the importance of belief in Jesus for eternal life and the consequences of disbelief.
20- Joseph is insulted	Joseph’s Insult (Genesis 37:23): In this verse, Joseph’s brothers insulted him by stripping off his coat of many colors and casting him into a pit. Their actions were driven by jealousy and resentment, and they sought to demean him.	Insults Toward Jesus During His Crucifixion: Matthew 27:27-28: During the crucifixion of Jesus, Roman soldiers mocked Him by dressing Him in a scarlet robe, placing a crown of thorns on His head, and giving Him a reed as a scepter. They sarcastically hailed Him as the “King of the Jews,” intending to insult His claims of kingship. John 19:23: John’s Gospel records the soldiers dividing Jesus’ garments among themselves, and for His seamless robe, they cast lots. This was another instance of mockery and disrespect toward Jesus.
21- Joseph is cast into the pit .	Joseph Cast into the Pit (Genesis 37:24): In this passage, Joseph is cast into a pit by his brothers, representing a period of suffering and isolation in his life.	Jesus on Descent and Redemption: Matthew 12:40: Jesus compares His own death and resurrection to Jonah’s time in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights, symbolizing a period of descent before resurrection. Ephesians 4:9: This verse speaks of Jesus descending into “the lower parts of the earth,” as a descent into Hades or the place of the dead. 1 Peter 3:19: This verse mentions Jesus preaching to the spirits in prison after His death in Hades or the realm of the dead. Hosea 13:14: Hosea speaks of God redeeming His people from the power of the grave (Sheol or Hades), emphasizing God’s power over death.
22- Joseph taken out alive in his body	Joseph Taken Out Alive (Genesis 37:28): Joseph is taken out of the pit by his brothers and sold into slavery. He is physically alive and continues his journey, eventually rising to a position of power in Egypt.	Resurrection and “Touch and See Me”: Resurrection:Jesus, refers to His miraculous rising from the dead after His crucifixion. It signifies victory over death and the promise of eternal life. “Touch and See Me”: After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples and invited them to touch and see His physical body to prove that He was indeed alive. This is seen in passages like Luke 24:39, where Jesus says, “See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see.”
23- Joseph’s brethren mingle hypocrisy with hatred	Joseph’s Brethren Mingle Hypocrisy with Hatred (Genesis 37:27): Joseph’s brothers, while harboring intense jealousy and hatred toward him, deceive their father Jacob by showing Joseph’s coat covered in goat’s blood. This deceitful act demonstrates the hypocrisy of their actions, as they pretend to be concerned for Joseph while secretly plotting against him.	Hypocrisy and Hatred at Jesus’ Crucifixion: Matthew 27:35-36: describe the soldiers dividing Jesus’ garments and casting lots for His robe while He was on the cross. They displayed callous indifference and greed, seemingly unaware of the gravity of their actions. John 18:28-33: Religious leaders, while seeking to have Jesus crucified, demonstrate hypocrisy by refusing to enter the Roman governor’s headquarters, Pilate’s Praetorium, to avoid ritual impurity during the Passover. They are more concerned with maintaining their ceremonial purity than with the gravity of the situation.
24- Joseph is sold	Joseph Sold by His Brothers (Genesis 37:26-28): In these verses, Joseph’s brothers, led by Judah, decide to sell him to a group of traders who were passing by. They sell Joseph into slavery for a sum of money, which marks a turning point in Joseph’s life.	Judas’ Betrayal of Jesus (Matthew 26:14-16): In the New Testament, Judas Iscariot (Judah – Hebrew , Judas – Greek.), one of Jesus’ disciples, agrees to betray Jesus to the religious authorities for 30 pieces of silver. This betrayal ultimately leads to Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion.
25- Joseph’s blood sprinkled Strained Coat.	Joseph’s Blood-Sprinkled Coat (Genesis 37:31): In this passage, Joseph’s brothers dip his coat in the blood of a goat to deceive their father Jacob into believing that Joseph had been killed by a wild animal. This act of presenting the blood-sprinkled coat was a powerful symbol of deception and tragedy.	The Blood of Jesus: In the Old Testament, the sacrificial system involved the shedding of the blood of animals as a temporary atonement for sin. These sacrifices served as a foreshadowing or anticipation of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, whose blood would provide eternal forgiveness and redemption. The blood of Jesus holds deep significance. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is often referred to as the shedding of His blood for the forgiveness of sins. His blood represents the atonement and redemption offered to humanity through His death.
26- Joseph becomes a servant	Joseph Becomes a Servant in Egypt (Genesis 39:1): After being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph ends up in Egypt and becomes a servant in Potiphar’s house. Despite his challenging circumstances, he remains faithful and diligent in his service.	Jesus’ Servanthood (John 13:1-17): In John 13, Jesus demonstrates His humility and servanthood by washing His disciples’ feet. This act symbolizes His willingness to serve others, even in the role of a leader, teacher and Lord. He encourages His disciples to follow His example of serving one another.
27- Joseph was a prosperous Servant	Joseph as a Prosperous Servant (Genesis 29:2-3): Joseph’s faithfulness and diligence as a servant are evident. He served his master Potiphar well, and under his service, Potiphar’s household prospered.	Isaiah 53:10: Isaiah’s prophetic writings speaks of the suffering servant, messianic reference to Jesus. It mentions that it was the will of the Lord to crush Him (Jesus), putting Him to grief, but through His suffering, He would bring forth prosperity, or the salvation and justification of many.
28- Joseph’s master was well pleased with him	Joseph’s Master Well Pleased with Him (Genesis 39:4): Potiphar, Joseph’s master in Egypt, was well pleased with him due to Joseph’s diligent and faithful service. Potiphar recognized Joseph’s qualities and entrusted him with responsibilities.	Isaiah 11:2: Isaiah describes the qualities of the Messiah, who would come from the lineage of Jesse. It speaks of the Spirit of the Lord resting on Him and includes attributes such as wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord. John 8:29: Jesus speaks of His relationship with the Father, emphasizing that He always does what pleases the Father. It reflects Jesus’ obedience and the divine favor upon Him.
29- Blessings to others	Joseph as a Source of Blessings (Genesis 39:5): Because of Joseph’s presence and faithful service in Potiphar’s house, the Lord blessed Potiphar’s house, both in the house and in the field.	Jesus Christ as a Blessing to the World: Jesus Christ is the source of blessings to the world. His ministry, teachings, and sacrificial death on the cross are seen as bringing blessings such as salvation, forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life to all who believe in Him.
30- Goodly Person	Joseph as a “Goodly Person” (Genesis 39:6): Joseph is described as a handsome and virtuous individual. His character and integrity made him an attractive and esteemed person.	Jesus the beloved: Song of Songs 2:3: “As an apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the young men. With great delight I sat in his shadow, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.” Song of Songs 2:8: “The voice of my beloved! Behold, he comes, leaping over the mountains, bounding over the hills.” Song of Songs 5:10: “My beloved is radiant and ruddy, distinguished among ten thousand.” Song of Songs 5:11: “His head is the finest gold; his locks are wavy, black as a raven.” Revelation 4:3: John’s vision in the book of Revelation, a description of the appearance of God on His throne is given. Among the descriptions is that of a rainbow that looked like an emerald, symbolizing divine beauty and glory.
31- Tempted and Sinned Not Gen. 39:7-12.)	Temptation by Potiphar’s Wife (Genesis 39:6-20): One of the most famous and significant temptations in Joseph’s life was when he served in the household of Potiphar, an Egyptian official. Potiphar’s wife attempted to seduce Joseph, but he refused her advances, saying, “How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” Joseph’s steadfast moral integrity led him to resist this temptation, even when it meant facing false accusations and imprisonment. This story underscores Joseph’s commitment to honoring God’s commandments and maintaining his personal integrity, even in the face of great personal risk. Temptation of Revenge or Resentment Towards His Brothers (Genesis 37-45): Joseph’s brothers, out of jealousy, sold him into slavery, which led to many hardships and difficulties in Joseph’s life. When Joseph later had the opportunity to confront his brothers, he could have sought revenge or harbored resentment. However, he chose forgiveness and reconciliation instead. Joseph’s ability to overcome the temptation of bitterness and seek reconciliation with his family demonstrates his forgiveness and compassion. Joseph famously declares to his brothers in Genesis 50:20: “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” This attitude shows his trust in God’s providence. Temptation of Power and Pride (Genesis 41:41-45): When Joseph was elevated to a position of great authority in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh, he had the power to take advantage of his position. Instead, he used his authority wisely, implementing a plan to store food during a time of famine and save countless lives. Joseph resisted the temptation to become proud or tyrannical in his newfound power. His humility and commitment to using his position for the greater good set an example of righteous leadership. Temptations and Resistance: Joseph’s resistance to temptation (Psalm 105:19) and his act of leaving his garment symbolize his commitment to righteousness and his rejection of worldly pleasures. This aligns with the biblical exhortation to flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness (2 Timothy 2:22).	First Temptation – Turning Stones into Bread: Satan tempts Jesus, who had been fasting for 40 days and nights, to turn stones into bread to satisfy His hunger. Jesus responds by quoting Scripture: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). This temptation reflects the physical and material desires that humans often struggle with. Jesus’ response underscores the importance of spiritual nourishment and obedience to God’s will. Second Temptation – Jumping from the Pinnacle of the Temple: Satan takes Jesus to the highest point of the temple in Jerusalem and tempts Him to jump, saying that angels will save Him. Jesus responds again with Scripture: “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test” (Matthew 4:7). This temptation highlights the danger of seeking to manipulate God or test His faithfulness through reckless actions. Jesus emphasizes the importance of trusting God without trying to force supernatural demonstrations. Third Temptation – Bowing Down to Satan for All Kingdoms: Satan offers Jesus all the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worship. Jesus firmly rebukes Satan, saying, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve” (Matthew 4:10). This temptation underscores the allure of power, authority, and worldly success, which can lead people away from serving God faithfully. Jesus emphasizes that God alone is worthy of worship and service. Victory Over Temptation: Jesus, despite being tempted in these ways, did not sin. His ability to resist temptation demonstrates His perfect obedience to God and His sinlessness. Identification with Humanity: Jesus’ experience of temptation shows His identification with humanity. He experienced the same kinds of temptations that people face, yet He remained faithful. Use of Scripture: In each response, Jesus uses Scripture to counter the temptations. This highlights the importance of knowing and applying God’s Word to resist temptation and make righteous choices. Preparation for Ministry: These temptations served as a kind of spiritual testing and preparation for Jesus before He began His public ministry. They affirmed His readiness to fulfill His mission on Earth. Model for Believers: Jesus’ example of resisting temptation serves as a model for believers, showing that it is possible to overcome temptation through faith, reliance on God, and the power of Scripture.
32- Joseph was falsely accused.	Joseph Falsely Accused (Genesis 39:16-18): In these verses, Potiphar’s wife falsely accuses Joseph of trying to seduce her when, in reality, she was the one who had made advances towards him. Joseph is unjustly accused and faces consequences for a crime he did not commit.	Accusation of Blasphemy: Jesus was accused of blasphemy by the religious authorities, particularly the high priest, during His trial before the Sanhedrin (the Jewish ruling council). They charged Him with claiming to be the Son of God and the Messiah, which they considered blasphemous because it challenged their religious authority and understanding. This accusation led to His condemnation by the Jewish religious leaders. Accusation of Sedition and Claiming Kingship: When Jesus was brought before the Roman governor Pontius Pilate, the false accusation shifted from blasphemy to political charges. His accusers claimed that Jesus was inciting rebellion against the Roman Empire and declaring Himself as a king, which they believed could lead to insurrection. This accusation aimed to secure a death sentence under Roman law.
33- Joseph attempted no defense.	Genesis 39:19 (Genesis 39:19): “So, when his master heard the words that his wife spoke to him, saying, ‘This is what your servant did to me,’ his anger was aroused.” Joseph had been falsely accused of attempting to seduce Potiphar’s wife. Despite his innocence, he did not attempt to defend himself or offer an appeal. Instead, he endured the false accusation and the consequences that followed with patience and integrity.	Isaiah 53:7 (Isaiah 53:7): “He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth.” No Appeal: Jesus, during His trial and crucifixion, did not make appeals to escape His fate or to avoid suffering. Despite being innocent, He did not seek to avoid the path that led to the cross. This reflects His submission to God’s will and His acceptance of the mission to provide salvation through His sacrificial death. No Murmuring: “Murmuring” here refers to complaining or protesting in the face of adversity. Jesus did not complain or protest the false accusations, mockery, and physical suffering He endured. His silence in the midst of unjust treatment demonstrates His humility and willingness to endure suffering for the greater purpose of reconciling humanity with God. He Reviled Not: To “revile” means to insult, criticize, or speak harshly against someone. Even when He was ridiculed, mocked, and taunted during His crucifixion, Jesus did not respond in kind. He did not retaliate with insults or bitterness but maintained His dignity and love for those who persecuted Him.
34- Joseph was cast into prison	Joseph Cast into Prison (Genesis 39:20): After being falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife, Joseph is unjustly thrown into prison in Egypt. Despite his innocence, he finds himself imprisoned as a result of the false accusation.	Jesus Unjustly Sentenced: Jesus faced an unjust trial before religious and political authorities. He was sentenced to crucifixion despite being innocent of the charges brought against Him. His crucifixion as the ultimate injustice in human history.