Finding Christ in the Old Testament- Genesis 39

Finding Christ in the Old Testament

Genesis 39:1-23

"Now Joseph had been brought down to Egypt, and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, had bought him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him down there... And Joseph's master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined."

Joseph’s experience in Egypt reveals several profound Christological parallels. Just as Joseph was sold by his brothers for silver, betrayed, and rejected, so too Jesus was betrayed by Judas, sold for thirty pieces of silver, and rejected by His own people. Yet, as Joseph found favor with the Lord, so Christ, though rejected and suffering, remained obedient to His Father. Joseph was falsely accused by Potiphar's wife, just as Jesus was falsely accused by the religious leaders. In both cases, their innocence was apparent, yet they endured suffering for a higher purpose. Joseph's time in prison serves as a type of Christ’s descent into death, from which he would be raised to a position of authority. In a similar way, Christ’s death on the cross led to His resurrection and His ultimate victory over sin and death, where He is exalted at the right hand of the Father.

Devotion

Joseph’s unwavering integrity in the face of temptation and false accusation reminds us of Christ’s perfect righteousness. Though Joseph suffered unjustly, God’s purpose was fulfilled through him, just as Christ’s suffering on the cross was the means by which our salvation was won. In our trials, we are called to remain faithful, knowing that God is sovereign even in suffering.

New Testament Verse:
1 Peter 2:22-23 (ESV) "He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly."

Collect
Almighty God, whose servant Joseph, though unjustly suffering, trusted in Your providence, grant us grace that we, in the midst of our trials, may follow the example of Christ, who, though innocent, suffered for our salvation. Strengthen our faith in Your sovereign will, and help us to trust that You work all things together for our good, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Hymn Verse:
"What is the world to me,
With all its vaunted pleasure,
When You and You alone,
Lord Jesus, are my treasure!
You only, dearest Lord,
My soul's delight shall be;
You are my peace, my rest—
What is the world to me?"

LSB 730:1, "What is the World to Me?"