The rejection and glorification of Jesus in the life of Joseph
Genesis 37:23-24: “So it came to pass, when Joseph had come to his brothers, that they stripped Joseph of his tunic, the tunic of many colors that was on him. Then they took him and cast him into a pit. And the pit was empty; there was no water in it.” (NKJV)
The story of Joseph has a beautiful resemblance to the life of Jesus and it is concealed in many of the small details of Joseph’s life. A few of them which we will reveal today.
Joseph’s brothers resented him for being their father’s favorite son and ultimately rejected him as their brother. Joseph was stripped of the tunic his father gave him and his brothers threw Him into a pit before they sold him into slavery.
In a similar way, Jesus was rejected by his own nation. When He was sentenced to death by the cross, He was stripped of His clothes. He was beaten to the point of no recognition. The ones who crucified Him casted lots for his clothes to make money of Him.
After Joseph was sold into slavery we read about the account of his life in Genesis 37 to 45. He faced many hard times before he was led to the Pharaoh to interpret his dreams. Joseph made a huge impression. The wisdom and favor God bestowed on him was so remarkable that the Pharaoh ended up making him the second ruler over Egypt. Joseph ultimately became a crucial provider to the land of Egypt during the famine years.
Genesis 41:42-43: “Then Pharaoh took his signet ring off his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand; and he clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. And he had him ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried out before him, “Bow the knee!” So he set him over all the land of Egypt.” (NKJV)
In this one passage there is great significance. Let’s first look at the symbols being used here:
Ring: The ring is a symbol of the ratification of the Pharaoh’s commission. Joseph received the greatest se al available.
Garments of fine linen: Joseph did not receive mere ordinary or prison clothing, but clothing that is only available in the king’s palace. In the morning Joseph was still dragging along his fetters of iron but by night he was adorned in fine linen which further speaks of the righteousness of the saints.
Gold chain: a symbol of great wealth. Joseph was not only blessed with money and possessions, but he was rich with the glory and wisdom which God gave him.
What does all of this mean? Jesus has given us His Holy Spirit as a seal of His kingdom. We are clothed with the righteousness and glory of God in Christ Jesus which He earned for us through Hi sufferings on the cross.
The relationship between the Pharaoh and Joseph further bears a strong resemblance of the relationship between God and Jesus. The Pharaoh placed all the marks of honor on Joseph to show him as the king’s favorite and in whom the Pharaoh delighted to honor. Joseph was raised to a position where every knee had to bow to him. He was given a name Zaphnath-paaneah, which means A revealer of secret. It was a name embedded with authority.
Joseph’s journey from innocent suffering to an overflow of goodness is an equal resemblance of the exaltation of Jesus Christ. God’s greatest glory was placed on Jesus. His highest trust was placed in Jesus’ hand and all power was given to him in heaven and earth. He is the chief ruler of God’s kingdom among men. He is the gatherer of the nations. Jesus was the revealer of secrets (John 1:18). Jesus was initially rejected only to become the king of kings, the Name above all names.
Psalms 118:22: “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.” (NKJV)
Zechariah 10:4: “From him comes the cornerstone, From him the tent peg, From him the battle bow, From him every ruler together.” (NKJV)
Jesus has endured the worst form of rejection so that we will never have to feel alone or misunderstood because of the trials we have to endure. He endured the rejection on our behalf so that we can reign with Him in His glory today.
Maretha Retief
Illustration by Jeanne de Villiers