Genesis 43:34 Then he took servings to them from before him, but Benjamin’s serving was five times as much as any of theirs. So they drank and were merry with him.

The Creator of this Universe wants a personal relationship with you. He has a message of love for you that He has carefully and painstakingly assembled in 66 books by 40 different authors through inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The gospel of Jesus Christ is on every page. Are you listening?

John 1:9-14 The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

Why are we talking about this now? Because, in this history of Joseph in Egypt, we have a larger picture created. Joseph is a type of Jesus. Really. The similarities are quite astounding:

• A shepherd of his father’s sheep
• His father loved him dearly
• He ruled over brethren
• He was hated and ridiculed by his brothers
• He was sent by his father to seek out his brothers
• His brethren plotted to harm him
• He was delivered to the Gentiles
• His robes taken from him
• He was taken to Egypt
• Sold by his own for the price of a slave
• He was tempted, without sinning
• He was falsely accused
• He was numbered with the transgressors
• He was placed with two other prisoners (one saved, one lost)
• Picture of communion, with the Wine Steward and the Baker
• He went into the pit and was raised out of the pit
• Exalted after suffering
• He was 30 years old at beginning of public recognition
• He was not recognized by his own brothers
• He had a gentile “bride”
• He forgave those who wronged them
• He saved the world
• What men did to hurt them, God turned to good

Now, in Genesis 43, we find Joseph serving his brothers. Again, Joseph is a picture of Jesus.

Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

You know, as I’ve talked in our last few evening studies about how Joseph is a type or picture of Jesus, it occurs to me … Everyone who counts themselves as a disciple of Jesus should be a picture of Jesus:

– Quick to forgive because we have been forgiven.
– Quick to mercy.
– Quick to grace.
– Concerned for others more so than for ourselves.
– Serving others.

So, after you read this, perhaps you should close this devotional time with a prayer, asking the Lord to show you how you are and how you are not demonstrating Jesus to others.