Joseph as a type of Jesus?

In a number of posts on this blog, I have pointed out that Jesus of Nazareth said that he came to this earth to fulfill the Law (Torah) and the Prophets. Moreover, in support of that thesis, I have written a number of posts which outline the many ways in which Christ has fulfilled them (especially Torah). Even so, some of my critics have accused me of relegating the Torah to obscurity - of advocating for abrogating or ignoring it. Those many posts are my answer to these critics, and this current post is meant to further elucidate my belief that Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament) points to Jesus of Nazareth. Now, some people will undoubtedly argue that what follows is merely coincidence and was never intended by the original human author(s) of these Scriptures to point to Jesus. I am more than happy to let my readers decide for themselves.

In the book of Genesis, we learn that Jacob and Rachel had a son whom they named Joseph, because his mother said, "May the Lord add yet another son to my family." (Genesis 30:24) Interestingly, Scripture also informs us that Jesus was "the firstborn of many siblings." (Romans 8:29) Thus, just as it was hoped that God would add to Jacob's and Rachel's family, God intended for his Son to add to his family! Interestingly, Christian students of the Bible have long recognized a number of other similarities within the lives of Joseph and Jesus of Nazareth.

First, Scripture informs us that Joseph's father loved him more than any of his other children (Genesis 37:3). Likewise, in the Gospel of Matthew, we are informed that a voice from heaven was heard at the baptism of Jesus saying, "This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy." (3:17)

Next, we are informed that Joseph's brothers hated him because of their father's love for him (Genesis 37:4). Likewise, the Gospel of John informs us that Jesus was hated and despised by his Jewish brethren (1:11 and 15:24-25). Also, the account in Genesis informs us that Joseph told his family about the things which God had revealed to him through some dreams, and that his brethren resented what he had to say (37:5-11). Similarly, Jesus delivered the message which God had given him to his brethren, and they resented what he told them (John 8:45-59). Moreover, just as Joseph's brothers conspired against him (Genesis 37:18-28), Christ's Jewish brethren conspired to put Jesus to death (Matthew 27:1-2).

Then, also in Genesis, we learn that Joseph's brothers stripped him of his special robe (37:23). Likewise, the Roman soldiers stripped Jesus of his special seamless robe (John 19:23-24). Also, Genesis informs us that Joseph was sold by his brothers to some Ishmaelite traders for twenty pieces of silver (37:28). In similar fashion, we learn in the New Testament that Judas sold Jesus to the Jewish religious leaders for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-15).

In Egypt, we learn that Joseph was put in prison as a consequence of a false accusation (Genesis 39:12-20). In similar fashion, the Jewish religious leaders tried to solicit individuals to make false accusations against Jesus (Matthew 26:59-60). Moreover, Joseph was imprisoned with two other men (Genesis 40:1-3), and Jesus was crucified with two other men (John 19:18).

After his release from prison, we read that Pharoah put Joseph in charge of Egypt, and that "Only I, sitting on my throne, will have a rank higher than yours." (Genesis 41:40) Likewise, we read in the New Testament that God has put everything under Jesus Christ (John 3:35, I Corinthians 15:27, and Ephesians 1:22).

Later, Genesis informs us that Joseph's brothers bowed down before him and acknowledged his authority (42:6). In the New Testament, we are informed that someday every knee will bow at the name of Jesus (Philippians 2:10-11). Later still, we are informed that Joseph had to reassure his brothers that he wouldn't hold a grudge against them for all of the things that had happened to him as a consequence of their ill will. He said: "You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people." (50:20) Likewise, the angel of the Lord told Joseph (Mary's betrothed) that Jesus would "save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21) Moreover, this was also predicted by the prophet Isaiah. In the fifty-third chapter of that book, we read: "But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in his hands. When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins." (Verses 10-11)

Now, this is certainly NOT an exhaustive treatment of all of the parallels between the lives of Joseph and Jesus, but it is sufficient to demonstrate the phenomenon. I don't know about you, but this is a little bit too much for me to sweep away as coincidence! Indeed, I can't help but remember what Christ said about fulfilling Torah.

For those who are interested in exploring this topic further, I'd like to suggest two brief articles for your perusal:

Joseph, a Type of Christ

Similarities Between Joseph and Jesus