Calvary of Albuquerque - Service Summary

Joseph Looks A Lot Like Jesus - Genesis 37
From the Series, Genesis
By Pastor Skip Heitzig

MESSAGE SUMMARY

Genesis Artwork We've all been told that we look like someone else. Often members of the same family carry a strong resemblance to one another. Joseph reminds us of someone else: Jesus. As we explore their similarities, we'll be challenged with two crucial questions. How much do we resemble Jesus Christ? Do we look like our Heavenly Father?

DETAILED NOTES

Joseph reminds us of someone else: Jesus. In the final division of Genesis, chapters 37-50, Joseph is the central focus of attention. More chapters are devoted to him than are devoted to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, or anyone else. If you compare these fourteen chapters to the first eleven chapters of origin in Genesis, (including creation, the fall, Noah & the Flood, etc.) more is recorded about Joseph. Joseph is almost flawless. Not one flaw is recorded in the Bible. He is pure in heart, unlike his father. Some have counted over 100 ways that Joseph is like Jesus.

Joseph Was Uniquely Loved by His Father (Genesis 37:1-3)
1. His father made him a tunic of many colors
  1. Honored him
  2. Gave him authority
  3. Some commentators say it was a seamless robe
2. Jesus
  1. This is My beloved Son - Matthew 3:17
  2. All authority in heaven and earth – Matthew 28:18
  3. His garment was without seam – John 19:23
Joseph Was Hated by His Brothers (Genesis 37:4)
1. Joseph's brothers hated him
2. Jesus
  1. The common people heard Him gladly – Mark 12:37
  2. Religious leaders were jealous and hated him
  3. False witnesses were brought in with accusations
  4. They demanded His Blood
Joseph Was Sold for Pieces of Silver (Genesis 37:28)
1. His own brothers sold Joseph to the Midianite traders
  1. 12 brothers, closest to him didn't understand
  2. Sold for 20 shekels
2. Jesus
  1. Commanded great crowds of people
  2. Those closest were his 12 disciples
  3. Sold for 30 pieces of silver
Joseph Was Falsely Accused (Genesis 39)
1. Potiphar's wife falsely accused Joseph of rape
2. Falsely accused for crimes He did not commit
  1. Perverts the nation
  2. Forbids people to pay taxes
Joseph suffered Alongside of Two Others (Genesis 40)
1. Joseph providentially placed with two criminals
  1. Butler (went free)
  2. Baker (died)
2. Jesus crucified between two criminals
  1. One blasphemed and died spiritually
  2. One confessed and was forgiven
Joseph Was Dead to His Father then Appeared Alive (Genesis 37:34)
1. Jacob tore his clothes and mourned for his son
  1. Believed he was dead for many years
  2. When brothers come clean, Jacob finds out Joseph is alive
2. Jesus
  1. Died on the cross
  2. Rose from the dead – Acts 3: 15
Joseph Was in Charge of Everything (Genesis 37:5-8)
1. Joseph becomes the prime minister of Egypt
  If anyone wanted food or grain, had to get it from Joseph
2. The father has committed everything into the hands of the Son
  Jesus said, "I am the Bread of Life" – John 6:35
Men Had to Bow in Joseph's Presence
1. Everyone humbly bowed down. (Genesis 37:9; Genesis 42; Genesis 47-48)
  1. His brothers
  2. His mother and father
2. At the knee of Jesus every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord – Philippians 2:10

These testify of the evidence of the fingerprint of the Holy Spirit on the pages of Scripture. We have the very words of God. The whole Bible is filled with Jesus. When on the road to Emmaus after the resurrection, Jesus began in Genesis and the prophets and expounded all the scriptures, the things concerning Himself–Luke 24:44-49.

Joseph looks a lot like Jesus. Do you? Is there a family resemblance? Can people tell you are a child of God? Jesus is the light of the world; he said we are the light of the world. We reflect Jesus' light as the moon reflects the sunlight.

Cross References: Matthew 3:17; Matthew 28:18; Mark 12:37; Luke 24:44-49; John 6:35; John 19:23; Acts 3:15; Philippians 2:10

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