Week 9, Day 4

Even without his vibrant coat, Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachel (Genesis 35:24), is one of the most colorful characters in the Old Testament. On the surface, each chapter of Joseph’s life is filled with one amazing story after the other. Below the surface, Joseph’s life is even more amazing when we consider how his life looks forward to Jesus. There are over 100 parallels between Joseph and Jesus outlined in scripture. Let’s look at a few examples from the story of Joseph that shows Jesus as healer.

Both Jesus and Joseph lived lives of service. Joseph was brought to Egypt to be a servant in his master’s house. (Genesis 39:1-2). At the time he could never have imagined that his brothers’ betrayal of him into slavery would later allow him to save his family. (Genesis 47:25). Jesus came to earth, “not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45).

Jesus and Joseph each provided for people in need. Joseph provided grain to make bread to save and heal his brothers and the perishing world (Genesis 43:31-34, 41:55-6). After feeding the 5,000, Jesus stated that he is “the Bread of Life; whoever comes to Me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in Me shall never thirst” (John 6:35). Jesus heals our physical and spiritual needs.

When Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt to buy grain, Joseph recognized them, but they did not recognize him or understand the greater purpose God was fulfilling in Joseph’s life (Genesis 45:4-5). Many of those closest to Jesus did not recognize Him as the savior or understand His purpose (John 14:9). While Joseph reconciled and healed his broken relationship with his brothers, Jesus’s death reconciled the whole world to God.

• What other aspects of the story of Joseph look forward to Jesus as healer?

• How can our daily lives point others who may not recognize Jesus to see Him as healer?