Genesis 37:12-36

Gen. 50:20 gives an overview of Joseph’s life: “You meant it for evil but God meant it for good.”  With this passage we have fully entered into that part of his life that might be called “evil intent”.  Let us review Joseph’s story here.

·        His father sent him to his brothers, v12-14a.  Shechem was about 48 miles from Hebron but had great pasture and abundant water.  Jacob “owned” property there dating back to an earlier time.  The brothers had moved to Dothan, about 12 miles to the SW, where there was also good grazing.

·        He left “home” to find his brothers, v14b-17.  Home was where he was loved by his father.  And note that he was sent so he could give an account to his father of the brother’s activities.

·        His brothers conspired to kill him, v18-20.

·        His brothers mocked him because of God’s will (the dreams), v19.

·        His brothers were grievous sinners, v21-35.  It might seem that Reuben is trying to do right but in fact he is selfish.  Having dishonored his father (35:22) he sees this as an opportunity to please Jacob.  He has no wisdom as to the right path to take, and lacks courage to stand up to his brothers.  As for Judah, he saves Joseph’s life but only because of his love for money.  The words, “he is our brother and our flesh”, are really quite empty.  In the end the deep sinfulness of all the brothers is evident.  They strip him of the robe of envy, and sit and eat lunch while Joseph languishes in the pit.

·        Saving his brothers meant salvation for others, v28,36.  This “evil intent” would end up being God’s goodness in saving not only the family of Jacob but all Egypt and the surrounding nations during the coming great famine.

Can you not help but see the story of our Lord Jesus Christ in Joseph’s story?  Consider the same points (with references) as they apply to Christ.

·        His Father sent him to His brothers, John 1:11; Heb. 2:11; Matt. 21:33-37.

·        He left “home” (the glories of heaven) to find them, Phil. 2:6-8; John 17:5.

·        His brothers conspired to kill Him, Psalm 2:2; 31:13; 71:10; Mark 3:6; John 11:45-53; Matt. 26:3-4,59.

·        His brothers mocked Him because of God’s will, Luke 23:35-37; John 2:19-20; 5:18; 8:48,52-53,57,59.

·        His brothers were grievous sinners, Jer. 17:9; Rom. 1:28-32; Matt. 21:38f.

·        Saving his brothers (the Jews) means salvation for others (the Gentiles), Rom. 11:11,15,26; 15:7-10.

Are you one who mocks the Lord Jesus Christ?    Are you plotting your life without Him?  Your pride against Him is the very sin for which Christ died in your place.  You meant it for evil.  God meant it for good.  This is Christ, “who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14).