Reading the Life of Joseph

As we embark on a journey through the life of Joseph, we need helpful tips for reading through Genesis 37-50. How do we understand the events and what are central aspects to better keep God supreme throughout it?

It is easy to slide into a path of reading through Joseph’s story and just focus on the moral issues that crop up. You have strong emotions of hatred and deep grief in chapter 37. Not much further one comes across lust, disobedience, death, imprisonment, and restoration. One should look at the responses of those that obey and pursue righteousness over and above others that commit heinous sin. But the focus cannot be a morally improved person alone.

Therefore, what does one need to keep in mind as they read through the events of Joseph’s life?

1. The sovereignty of God preserves the lineage of the coming Messiah.

God makes promises throughout his Word. Promises that he providentially preserves and brings to pass as redemption unfolds. Jesus is always the goal. Getting to the cross and empty tomb is the narrative thread throughout the Bible. God continues to move the promised seed forward through protection and promise fulfillment.

2. God continues to use Israel to bless the nations.

Genesis 12:1-3

[1] Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.[2] And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.[3] I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

God promises to use Israel to bless the nations. This promise is reaffirmed to Issac and again to Jacob. The story of Joseph demonstrates that Joseph’s dreams, and storage of grain provides food for the nations as people come to Egypt to buy necessary food.

3. See the way Jesus is typified in Joseph.

One must be careful here to see imaging of Jesus through the life of Joseph with careful and clear examination. A reader could go from an observer of seeing Christ through the life of Joseph to a typological witch-hunt. Not every eyelash that falls is an imaging of Christ.

With that said, Joseph’s life contains several parallels to the life and fulfillment of Jesus, though these parallels are seen fully in Christ. Genesis 37 foreshadows Joseph’s future exaltation, just as Christ would ultimately be exalted at the appointed time. Later Joseph is sold for pieces of silver; Jesus, too, was offered up by Judas for silver. The list could go on and on, but Jesus fulfills in a way that Joseph never could.

As a reader moves through Joseph’s life, it is wise to assess the morality of the man, but gaze on the sovereign plan of God to save his people and preserve his unalterable plans. You will be blessed in reading Genesis 37-50.

-Pastor John Richardson