Finding Christ in the Old Testament - Genesis 40

Finding Christ in the Old Testament

Genesis 40:1-23

"Some time after this, the cupbearer of the king of Egypt and his baker committed an offense against their lord, the king of Egypt. And Pharaoh was angry... and he put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the prison where Joseph was confined."

Joseph, falsely imprisoned, becomes the interpreter of dreams, revealing God’s hidden purposes. The two prisoners with him—the cupbearer and the baker—foreshadow the two criminals crucified alongside Christ. One would be restored, the other condemned, just as one thief on the cross found mercy while the other perished in unbelief. The cupbearer, whose dream foretold his restoration, points to Christ’s role as the true Cupbearer of salvation, who gives the cup of His blood for the forgiveness of sins. The baker, whose dream foretold his execution, reminds us of the judgment upon sin. Joseph’s plea to be remembered parallels Christ’s words to the repentant thief: “Today you will be with Me in paradise.” Yet, as the cupbearer forgot Joseph, so too the world often forgets Christ, despite the redemption He offers.

Devotion

Joseph’s time in prison reminds us that God is at work even in suffering. Though forgotten by men, he was never forgotten by God. Likewise, Christ, forsaken on the cross, was vindicated in His resurrection. When we feel abandoned, we trust in God’s providence, knowing that He works all things for good.

New Testament Verse:
Luke 23:42-43 (ESV) "And he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ And he said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.’"

Collect
O Lord, who remembers the afflicted and does not forsake those who trust in You, grant us steadfast faith in times of trial. As You raised up Joseph in due time, so lift our eyes to Christ, who endured the cross and was raised in glory. Strengthen us to trust Your perfect timing, that we may find our hope in the risen Lord, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever, unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Hymn Verse:
"Lord, Thee I love with all my heart;
I pray Thee, ne'er from me depart,
With tender mercy cheer me.
Earth has no pleasure I would share;
Yea, heav’n itself were void and bare
If Thou, Lord, wert not near me."

LSB 708:1, "Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart"