Survey of Genesis 35-50

The Jesus Christ of the Old Testament

Narrative: This is the story of Joseph, son of Jacob. One might wonder what the story of Joseph has to do with the life of Jesus. But it has at least two things to do with the life of Jesus: The "thread that runs so true"--the lineage that goes to the birth of Christ--goes right through Joseph; had he not lived righteously, God's plan for the redemption of the world would not have been achieved, at least not in the way that was originally planned; (2) Joseph was a type of Jesus because of his selection as a leader, of his longsuffering in the face of adversity, and his magnamnity when in power. It is through Joseph that we learn more about the personality of God.

Memory verse: Genesis 39:9b--"how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?"

Time line: about 1875 B. C.

Map study: Egypt.

Textual study: Genesis 37-50, excluding chapters 38, 49.

The prophecy of greatness (Genesis 37: 6-11).

Why did they not believe that their near relative could be great? Why did Jesus' near relatives not believe that He was someone great. See John 1: 9-11; Mark 6: 1-6

Why do we not allow our fellowman to be the great people that they can be? Do we ever hold people back that are striving to succeed? Romans 12: 14-21. The parable of the talents applies to everyone!

The betrayed Joseph/the betrayed Jesus

Genesis 37: 18-36. All turned against Joseph. Matthew 26: 30-35; 56b.

God has never needed a concensus to determine right and wrong. Rather, a "few" will be among the right, and "many" will be among the wrong. See Matthew 7: 13, 14.

The tempted Joseph/the tempted Jesus

See Genesis 39 (chapter); Matthew 4: 1-11. Each stayed close to God while tested; each talked about what was right to do in God's eyes. They put God's interests ahead of their own. Hebrews 4: 14-16.

The rectified Joseph/the resurrected Jesus

See Philippians 2: 5-11. The resurrected Jesus is one that will never be subjugated again. In like manner, Joseph rose to a high level of power, second only to Pharoah (41: 40)

Magnamity in power.

See Joseph in Gen. 45: 3-11. See Jesus in Matthew 11: 28-30. Revelation 3: 20, 21.

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