On Being Joseph's Brothers

The story of Joseph has been on my mind lately, since the conclusion of that story (Genesis 50:15-21) is the first Scripture reading in a lot of churches this Sunday. I have to admit that Joseph’s story is one of my favorites, largely because his life points so clearly to Jesus Christ. As I’ve been thinking about how Joseph prefigures Christ, I’ve jotted down a few parallels.

1. Joseph was to reign over his brothers, but this offended them and so they handed him over to a foreign people. Jesus Christ also came to reign over his Jewish brothers, but they were offended by him and so they handed him over to a foreign people. And even now, when the Spirit of Christ comes to reign over us, the continual temptation is to be offended and to reject his reign. It is a reign of grace and mercy, but no matter: to the eyes of the flesh, we see only tyranny and joylessness.

2. Despite the rejection and the sins committed against him, Joseph remained steadfast in the truth and God raised him to power. Just so, despite humanity’s rejection, Jesus Christ continued to “testify to the truth.” (John 18:27) Also, God has raised him to his right hand, giving him all authority in heaven and on earth. (Matthew 28:18) This is how God’s providence works: it brings good out of evil, and life out of death.

3. Joseph’s brothers were hit by a famine, but Joseph – because God had raised him to power – was able to save them. God had taken their rejection of Joseph and used it to provide them with a source of life. Just so, I’m convinced that the rejection of Christ leads to a famine. That is, our souls were made to feed on the Word of God, and Jesus is that Word. We go hungry without him, but God has taken Jesus' rejection and used it to provide us with the Bread of Life. For that reason, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Matthew 5:6)

If these parallels hold true, then we are Joseph’s brothers, and Jesus Christ is the true Joseph. What does this mean? It means that we come to Christ just as Joseph’s brothers came to Joseph. Specifically, we come to Christ as those who have rejected him, are now suffering a famine, and need what only he can give. The actions and words of Joseph’s brothers are to be our actions and words: “Please forgive the crime of the servants of the God of your Father.” And then, weeping, they “fell down before him, and said, ‘We are here as your slaves.’” (Genesis 50:17, 18)

Most wonderfully, these parallels also mean that Joseph’s words to his brothers are Christ’s words to his: “Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today. So have no fear; I myself will provide for you and your little ones.” (Genesis 50:19-21) Being Joseph’s brothers – being those who have rejected Christ – might seem like bad news. However, because God’s providence brings good out of evil, and because Jesus Christ – the true Joseph – is merciful, such bad news is in fact the Gospel.