Fourth Sunday after Trinity(2026)

Genesis 50:15-21

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ, what we have here today in our Old Testament Lesson is an astonishing example of forgiveness given to men who did not deserve it. Who had not earned it, and by all account deserved the full punishment that Joseph could have given them as they were now in firmly under his power, and their fate was in his hands. How would we deal with those who have some horribly wronged us? You can see the fear that dwells in the hearts of all Joseph’s brothers for they anticipate that Joseph will repay and an eye for an eye.

The Life of Joseph

Joseph comes from a complex family.

Joseph’s father was Jacob who was tricked into marrying Leah, and then worked another 7 years to be married to Rachel, and from there it got messy as the there was an ongoing contest of who could give Jacob sons, and it extended out beyond just Rachel, and Leah to a practice that happened to ensure the continuation of the bloodline, and when Rachel and Leah could not bear children, they gave their handmaidens, which was a standard practice in Chaldea where they were from. This was Joseph’s family, and he was the first born child to the woman that Jacob loved, Rachel. So you can imagine how his brothers took it,

There was bitterness between them.

On top of that the Lord had revealed in dreams things that would happen to Joseph and his family, that depicted them bowing down before him, and if you already didn’t like him, this got to be a bit much to bear, and so they Joseph’s brother’s initially plotted to kill them, but the oldest dissuaded them, but while Reuben was away they sold him into slavery, and led Jacob to believe that his beloved son was dead.

Joseph ended up in prison.

This was not because he had done anything wrong, but because his Master’s wife, wanted to get to know him better, and Jacob fled from the house when she grabbed hold of him as he tried to get away, and she accused him, and he landed in jail. The Lord was still with him even in prison and showed him favor and lifted him up to a place of high honor, although it took awhile,

He was finally rescued.

When Pharaoh had dreams that troubled him, Pharaoh’s cup-bearer remembered Joseph’s interpretation of his dream. Pharaoh had him brought before him, and the Lord gave to Joseph the interpretation of the dream, and Pharaoh rewarded Joseph greatly and made him second in power, and position in the land. Egypt then flourished and people came to them for grain during a great famine, which is when his brothers came and bowed down before him as the had been foretold. That brings us to the final chapter.

Joseph’s Mercy

Today Joseph has power.

His brothers are terrified, because what is he going to do since their father is dead. They thought that Joseph was holding off on his revenge because of their father who did love his family, despite its many flaws. So they approached him with this plan to try and entreat their brother to spare them. Why did they think this? Well they were thinking like the world, and

The world encourages revenge.

If you someone wrongs you or hurts you. Why wouldn’t you pay them back an eye for an eye a tooth for a tooth. After everything that Joseph has been through, why wouldn’t he? They sold their own flesh and blood off into slavery because they were jealous, and wanted him to suffer so they could feel better. Because of their actions, look at what happened. He spent years in prison, which never would have happened if they hadn’t sold him into slavery. What would you do, how would you deal with those that have wronged you, hurt you, and betrayed you, if you had the power, and no one would know, when you explained it, they would say you gave them what they deserved.

Joseph sets that aside and forgives.

The world asks why? Why let it go? Don’t let them get away with it, show them what happens when they do what’s wrong and punish them. What does Joseph say? “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” The Lord had been with Him and provided for Him all his days, but he doesn’t allow this to dominate his heart. This is a wonderful example of grace and mercy that God calls us to show to those who wrong us, but it’s ultimate purpose is to point us to Christ.

Betrayal of Jesus

Joseph is a type of Jesus.

When we talk about “types” in theology they are events, places, people, etc. that point ahead to Jesus and what God would accomplish through Jesus Christ our Lord for our salvation, and Joseph’s life is meant to point us to Jesus to understand the grace, mercy, and love that He shows us on Calvary.

Jesus was betrayed by all mankind.

Jesus is the one through whom all things were created, for it was by the Word, and Jesus is that Word made flesh, who has dwelt among us. He came that we might have life, and have it to the fullest, and didn’t do any wrong to us, but gave to us grace and truth, that we might not perish, and yet despite all that Christ has, is, and will do for mankind.

Jesus was rejected by all.

He was hated and despised by the world, and was given over not to a prison, but death, and hell itself, because we like Joseph’s brothers didn’t like what Jesus has said or done, and we treat Him and His words cheaply. To you say you like the teachings of Jesus, but you don’t need to listen to everything, you are rejecting His divinity. To make room for sin in your life and continue in it, what are you saying to Him, as you pile the sins upon His head? This is why Peter says on the day of Pentecost, that you crucified him, even if you weren’t there, if you weren’t part of the crowd crying out for his blood, it’s your sins, it’s my sins, that rest upon Jesus.

Redemption of Jesus

The Father did not abandon Jesus.

The Father didn’t abandon Christ to the grave, but lifted Him up out of that prison built for the devil, all his angels, and those who belong to the world, and restored Christ to life. For even though it was the Father crushed him for our iniquities, the Father didn’t abandon the Holy one to the grave. In fact,

Jesus is now exalted.

seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Do you see the parallels between what happened to Joseph, and how God uses the life of Joseph to show what was going to happen with Jesus? The type, that’s Joseph, is always weaker, than Christ, for Joseph was set at the right hand of pharaoh, but Jesus sits at the right hand of the throne of God. Every knee in heaven, and earth, and under the earth bows down and worships Jesus the Christ, the Son of God.

What does this mean for you?

You who betrayed him, you who sinned with knowledge, who sinned without knowledge, who rejected him by thought, word, and deed? For the Lord says Vengeance is mine, and Jesus is God in the flesh who now sits as your judge.

Jesus’ Mercy

Jesus has every right to condemn.

Like Joseph, we are the ones who are in the wrong, and the one we wronged is not only your creator, but also your judge who has been exalted. This is why Isaiah fell down on his knees and cried out for he realized his sin, it is why David pleaded for mercy at his sins, and yet what does Christ say to those who crucified Him?

We committed great evil, but God meant it for good.

That’s why we call that day Good Friday, what mankind did on that day wasn’t good. Betraying our Lord, crucifying the Lord and giver of life, but that dark day was used to save mankind, and secure for us mercy, and peace, and that is why Jesus is able to speak words of comfort to you, and for you that you might be healed of your sins.

Jesus considers you His dear family.

For while He suffered greatly, it was out of love for you, and he bore that cost for you willingly. For while He is a just and righteous judge, He also has a heart that is full of love, and mercy. We don’t try to be forgiven based upon our merits, and the things that we got right in this life. We rely upon His love, His mercy, and His promise that He has paid our debt in full that we might belong to Him.

My Brothers and sisters in Christ, this is why we should study the Old Testament. Jesus tells us that the Scriptures aren’t about eternal life, but they are about Him, that we might see what has been done for us, and understand the depth of this forgiveness that He has secured. Our sins are great, and numerous and more than we can face at times, and we wonder will Jesus really forgive me? Then you see what forgiveness looks like in the life of Joseph, which is a pale comparison to the forgiveness that we have in Christ. For as Joseph comforted and spoke kindly to his brothers, Christ speaks kindly to you and comforts you with the promise that your sins are forgiven, and that you have peace with God. In Jesus name. Amen.