Sermons and Outlines

Gen. 41:39-57 JOSEPH: A PORTRAIT OF THE GLORIFIED CHRIST

Intro: Ill. 1 Cor. 10:11 - Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

Ill. Rom. 15:4 - For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

The Old Testament Scriptures are filled with many clear portraits and types of Jesus. Some of them are:

1. Noah’s Ark – Gen. 6-9

2. The Manna – Ex. 16

3. The Tabernacle and the Offerings – Exodus and Leviticus

4. Aaron’s Rod that Budded – Num. 17

5. The Red Heifer – Num. 19

There are many, many more. So many in fact, that if one looks hard enough, he can find Jesus Christ on every page of the Old Testament. Truly, the Bible is a Book about Him – John 5:39.

Of all the types of Christ found in the Old Testament, however, one seems to stand out, and above, all the others. That is the life of Joseph. As you study this extraordinary man’s life, many parallels with Jesus begin to appear. Among them are:

1. Both were beloved of their Fathers – Gen. 37:3; Matt. 3:17; 17:5

2. Both were hated by their brethren – Gen. 37:4, 8, 11; John 15:25

3. Both were rejected and conspired against – Gen. 37:18-20; Matt.

27:28-36; John 11:53

4. Both were mistreated and delivered up to die – Gen. 37:23-25; Matt.

27:28-36

5. Both were delivered from the pit of their death – Gen. 37:28; Matt.

28:1-6

6. Both were servants – Gen. 39:1-6; Phil. 2:5-7

7. Both were exalted by God – Gen. 41:14; Acts 5:30-31

There are many more parallels that could be mentioned, but these are sufficient to demonstrate to us that Joseph is a very good picture of the Lord Jesus Christ. When we come to Genesis 41, we find Joseph having endured rejection, slavery, false accusation and prison. Now, he stands before Pharaoh and is made Prime Minister of all Egypt. We find him exalted and it is this aspect of his life that we want to consider today. At this time in Joseph’s life, he paints a wonderful portrait of the glorified Christ. In these verses, we will see what happened to Joseph and how it parallels what Jesus is doing today. This morning, let’s observe together this man Joseph and think on this thought, Joseph: A Portrait Of The Glorified Christ.

I. v. 39-44 HE PICTURES CHRIST IN HIS POSITION

A. v. 40 His Greatness – (As Ruler) (Ill. The Context. Pharaoh placed Joseph in the place of supreme authority. Ill. The Ring in v. 42! Only Pharaoh himself was greater.) (Ill. Jesus – When He ascended back into Heaven, He sat down at the Father’s right hand – Heb. 10:12, Today, Jesus is the ruler of the universe! He has been given this authority by another, and that One is His Father – Phil. 2:9-11, John 5:22Ill. Men may not recognize Him as such, but Jesus is Lord this morning and He is THE absolute power in the universe! (Ill. He will prove this one day soon – Rev. 19:11-16

B. v. 41, 44 His Giftedness – (Ill. Joseph had demonstrated his ability to discern dreams, v. 26-36. No he proves that he can do what he has promised and provide for the needs of the Egyptian people. He proves that he has what it takes to get the job done right.) (Ill. The same applies to Jesus. While here on earth, and through the pens of the Apostles, He has promised those who receive Him many wonderful things. Now that He is seated in the place of power and authority, He proves daily that He can and will do exactly what He promised He would do.) (Ill. Among the things He has promised us are:

1. His Personal Presence – Matt. 28:20; Heb. 13:5

2. His Gracious Provision – Phil. 4:19

3. His Abundant Power – Eph. 3:20; John 14:12, (Ill. Daily, Jesus proves afresh that He is worthy of our love and worship. He continually declares His giftedness in doing what He has promised to do - Rom 4:21,

C. v. 42-43 His Glory – (As Prime Minister, all the pomp and glory of Egypt was his. As Joseph rode through the streets, the people bowed before him and lifted his praises. He was a glorious site to behold.) (Ill. Jesus. When He was on this earth, He was more likely than not a pretty ordinary man, Isa 53:2, But, what a difference there was in Him when He got home! (Ill. Peter James and John got a little taste, Matt 17:1-2, But, John the Beloved got the full picture of what the risen Christ looks like in His glory, Rev. 1:13-18 (Ill. I don’t know about you, but I know who this fellow is, and one day, I will see Him in His glory! Rev 22:4, In a city that needs no light but His, Rev 21:23,

II. v. 45-53 HE PICTURES CHRIST IN HIS PERSONAL LIFE

A. v. 45 The Name He Is Given – (Literally = "The Saviour of the World") (Ill. Joseph’s new name is symbolic of the office he is to fill in Egypt. He is to be the Saviour of the entire world.) (Ill. Jesus = "Jehovah is Salvation" His very name declares His office and His mission to a lost and dying world. He is Saviour and He alone!) (Ill. men may seek salvation in other names – Buddha, Mohammed, Krishna, Etc. But, there is salvation in only one name, and that is the name of Jesus – Acts 4:12!) (Ill. Men do not need to understand the deep theological truths of the Bible in order to be saved, they just need to know that Jesus is the Saviour of the World!) (Elaborate!)

(Ill. Evangelist Ron Dunn tells the story of a man who was one of the wealthiest people in the United Kingdom in the 1950s. Over the course of his life, this man had acquired an art collection that was worth millions of dollars. He had paintings by Rembrandt, Gauguin, Monet, and many other great artists.

The rich man had no heirs. His only son had been an RAF pilot and was killed in action during World War II. So when he died the estate was to be liquidated. His will directed that the art collection be sold at auction.

Buyers from all over the world came to London hoping to acquire some of the famous paintings. When the auction began, the first piece brought out for bidding was a painting the audience didn't recognize. The auctioneer explained that it was a portrait of the owner's beloved son who had died in the war. It had been painted by an unknown artist and wasn't even a very good portrait, but the will stipulated that it was to be sold first.

The auction began, but no one wanted to bid on the portrait. Despite the auctioneer's cajoling and coaxing, there were no bids. Finally, an elderly man in the back of the crowd raised his hand and asked permission to speak. He explained that he was a servant of the owner and had served faithfully in his household for many years. He had seen the son grow up and loved him very much. He said he wanted the painting but didn't have much money so he was able to bid only a few dollars.

The auctioneer accepted his bid and tried to get others in the crowd to raise it, but no one would. Finally, he declared the portrait sold to the elderly servant. Then, to the shock and amazement of everyone present, he announced that the auction was over. It turned out that the will further stipulated that the person who bought the painting of the son was to receive the entire art collection without further charge. Whoever got the son got the whole lot.

That's the way it is with Christianity: whoever gets the Son gets the whole lot.)

B. v. 45 The Nature Of His Bride – (Ill. Joseph became the husband of a bride taken from among the heathen Gentiles of Egypt.) (Ill. Jesus – He came to this world to save His own people Israel, and they rejected Him, John 1:11. When this happened, He turned to the Gentiles and they became the inheritors of His salvation, Luke 2:32, Now, whosoever receives the Gospel message becomes a part of the Bride of Jesus! (Ill. John 1:12; John 3:16; Rev. 22:17) Jesus is still making up His Bride, by the way!

C. v. 46-53 The Nature Of His Business – (Ill. Joseph knew the times of plenty and famine were coming. Therefore, he used the 7 years of plenty as a time of preparation for the 7 years of famine to follow.) (Ill. When Jesus ascended back to the Father’s right hand and sat down, that does not imply that He does nothing! His work of redemption is finished, that’s true. However, He is still involved in several important ministries on our behalf.

1. He Is Preparing A Place For Us In Heaven – John 14:3; 1 Cor. 2:9 – What kind of place can He make in 2,000 years? After all, it only took 6 days to accomplish His creative work!

2. He Is Making Intercession For You – Heb. 7:25; Rom. 8:34 (Ill. The comfort of knowing that He is praying for the sinner!)

3. He Is Standing Up For Us As Our Advocate – 1 John 2:1-2

4. He Is A Living Reminder To His Father That The Price Of Redemption Has Been Paid In Full – Rev. 5:6; Ill. Christ’s call to Thomas, John 20:27 – A hand cannot fit "in" a scar! You see, every time the Father looks toward the Son He remembers the cross! (Ill. He could never forget, but when He sees Jesus, He remembers that we are in Him and that our price has been forever paid by the precious Blood of the Lamb!)

III. v. 54-57 HE PICTURES CHRIST IN HIS POWER

A. v. 56 His Saving Power (Ill. Joseph had the keys to the granaries. He literally had the power of life and death over all the people. Joseph used his power wisely! He became the Saviour of the people) Ill. Jesus – He possesses all saving power! (Ill. What can save the soul of man? Faith in Jesus Christ! Acts 16:31; Eph. 2:8-9; Rom. 10:13)

(Ill. Bruce Revel tells about taking a cruise on a large ocean liner. Soon after boarding the craft, he found out that everyone would be required to participate in a lifeboat drill.

"One requirement was that everyone had to wear a life jacket. When the alarm sounded, all passengers and crew gathered at the appointed location. The scene was amazing. Every man, woman, and child on that ship was wearing the same kind and color of life jacket. Finely dressed ladies with expensive jewelry were wearing exactly the same kind of life jacket as the cleaning women. Men in elegant tuxedos wore the same life jacket as the men who worked in the kitchen.

"This is a beautiful illustration of the reality of the church. Every time the people of God gather, it is like that lifeboat drill. No matter what our status or economic level, everyone must have the same life preserver--Jesus Christ.")

B. v. 49, 54 The Sufficiency Of His Power – (Ill. Joseph had sufficient grain for all those who came to Him, both Egyptians and strangers!) (Ill. Jesus – His blood is sufficient for whosoever will! It doesn’t matter who comes, or what they may have done in their life, they can come to Jesus and receive eternal salvation – John 6:37.) (Ill. The price is right too – Isa. 55:1; Rev. 22:17)

(Ill. "Many years ago in Liverpool, England, a home for sailors caught fire and many men were trapped on the upper floors of the rapidly burning building. A ladder was brought. Some of the men climbed to safety, but the ladder was too short to reach the top floor. It looked as if the poor souls on the top story were doomed to a wretched death.

"Suddenly a British sailor rushed from the crowd and hurriedly climbed the ladder. Precariously he balanced himself on the uppermost rung and reached up to take hold of the windowsill. With his hands locked on the window ledge and his feet on the ladder, he called for the trapped men to clamber down over his body to the ladder. One after another the frightened men literally scrambled over the brave sailor's back until all had escaped. The rescuer the came down the ladder himself. His fingers were burned and his hair was smoldering, but no one died in that fire thanks to the sailor's sacrifice.

"Once we were as hopeless and helpless as the men trapped in the burning building with no way out. We were utterly doomed by our sins, but Christ reached out to save us. He offered Himself as the bridge between death and life. By His sacrifice we have been saved." Jesus alone can bridge the gap between God and man, 1 Tim. 2:5. Our best efforts fall far short of reaching the safety of His salvation, Isa. 64:6.)

C. v. 44, 55 The Singularity Of His Power – (Ill. Joseph alone was the saviour of the people.) (Ill Jesus - There is no other force known to God, or man, which can save the human soul! It is by faith in Jesus and faith in Him alone! Ill. John 11:25-26 – In these 2 verses, Jesus summed it all up very clearly!) (Ill. Jesus alone has the power to transform a sinner to a saint!) (Ill. It doesn’t matter what they promise or what they claim only Jesus is qualified to save the human soul. Ill. The price He paid to be able to do just that! Ill. What a person would have to do to become a Saviour!)

(Ill. An anonymous author made this striking comparison: "Socrates taught for 40 years, Plato for 50, Aristotle for 40, and Jesus for only 3. Yet the influence of Christ's 3-year ministry infinitely transcends the impact left by the combined 130 years of teaching from these men who were among the greatest philosophers of all antiquity. Jesus painted no pictures; yet some of the finest paintings of Raphael, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci received their inspiration from Him. Jesus wrote no poetry; but Dante, Milton, and scores of the world's greatest poets were inspired by Him. Jesus composed no music; still Haydn, Handel, Beethoven, Bach, and Mendelssohn reached their highest perfection of melody in the hymns, symphonies, and oratorios they composed in His praise. Every sphere of human greatness has been enriched by this humble Carpenter of Nazareth.

"His unique contribution to the race of men is the salvation of the soul! Philosophy could not accomplish that. Nor art. Nor literature. Nor music. Only Jesus Christ can break the enslaving chains of sin and Satan. He alone can speak peace to the human heart, strengthen the weak, and give life to those who are spiritually dead.")

(Ill. A minister saw a line of people filing in and out of a toolshed and went over to investigate. Inside lay the body of a man who that morning had been found at the foot of a steep hill nearby. The people were trying to identify him. As the minister looked at that lifeless form, he saw that one hand was grasping a long stalk of straw. Apparently the man had grabbed it, desperately hoping it would keep him from falling over the edge.

Many people believe that the straws of religious ceremony and good works will save them from eternal condemnation.

Our own efforts are flimsy straws. We all need to acknowledge our lost condition and trust Him who died for our sins. If you say, "I'm not that bad." Listen! You are still clutching that last straw of self-righteousness. Let go and rest your eternal destiny on Christ Jesus.)

D. v. 57 The Scope Of His Power – (Ill. Joseph’s power reached into all the world.) (Ill. Jesus – His grace can reach anyone – Rom. 5:20. No one in the world is beyond the saving touch of Jesus Christ. All that will keep anyone outside the saving power of Jesus is for them to refuse to come!)

(Ill. A young man who had lived a wild and reckless life was stricken with a fatal disease. As he lay dying, he was visited by an earnest Christian who told him of his need for the Savior. Realizing he could not meet God with his load of sin, he opened his heart to the Lord and was forgiven. As the end approached, the promise of John 3:16 gave him his greatest comfort and peace. When he could no longer read the text for himself, he asked his mother to open the Bible to that verse. "Put my finger on the word 'whosoever,'" he said. "That invitation is broad enough to include even me!")

(Ill. Some in, and out, of Egypt probably refused to come to Joseph for help. They probably starved too! Many will also refuse to come to Jesus, and they will go to Hell. But whoever looks will live – Ill. The Brazen Serpent – Num. 21:4-10; Isa. 45:22)

Conc: Ill. We serve a glorified Lord this morning! Greater in power and glory that Joseph or any other earthly ruler has ever hoped to have. We serve a Lord who is busy on behalf of His people and is busy reaching out into a lost world seeking to save the lost.

(Ill. A Certain man was traveling on an ocean liner. He was leaning over the ship's rail tossing something in the air and catching it. "What is it you are tossing in the air?" asked an onlooker. "A diamond of great value. It is all I have in the world," said the man. "What an awful risk to keep tossing it up so carelessly!" "No risk at all. I've been doing it for the last half hour, and I can catch it every time." "But there might come a last time," remarked the onlooker. The man laughed and tossed it up again--but this time he missed. For a moment, the man stood aghast. Then he cried out, "Lost! Lost! Lost!" Baker commented, "You say the story is not true--it is true! The ocean is eternity. You are on the vessel of life. That diamond is your soul. And you have been trifling with it." )

If you are lost today, you do not have to stay that way! If you will come to Jesus today, He will save you eternally. What will you do with Jesus this morning? He will save you, bless you, keep you and take you home to Heaven some day if you will receive Him as your personal Saviour. If not? Well, He will still be the King of Kings and your judge as well.