sf966 - The Son That Was Sent (Genesis 37 12-36)
Genesis 37:12-36
Introduction
Joseph is and OT type for the Lord Jesus.
In the text before us we see a wonderful picture of what God did when He sent Christ to the earth.
1A. How The Son was Sent (37:12-17)
1B. The Father’s commission (37:12-14)
The fearful situation – the sons of Jacob were in a dangerous place (37:12)
Ø Shechem was the place where they had deceived the men and had destroyed an entire generation of males (Genesis 34)
Ø Men without Christ are in a dangerous place.
John 3:18-19 He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
Romans 5:6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
The favored son – Jacob’s special son would go to them (37:13)
Ø He willingly offers to go, without any thought for his own safety.
John 10:11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.
John 10:18 No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself…
The father’s solution – Joseph left the father’s side to seek out his lost brothers. (37:14)
Ø He left Hebron (fellowship) to go to Shechem (strength) and ultimately Dothan (two wells) in pursuit of his wayward brothers.
Ø Jesus goes to the ends of the earth to find His own.
2B. Son’s submission (37:15-17)
We see Joseph seeking his brothers (37:15-16; Luke 19:10)
We see Joseph searching for his brothers (37:17; Luke 15:8-10)
2A. How the Son was Received (37:18-36)
1B. The brothers’ attitude toward the favored son
They hated him because of who he was – the dreamer (37:18-19)
John 19:7 The Jews answered him, "We have a law, and according to our law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God."
They hated him because of what he represented – God’s grace at work (37:20)
John 10:32-33 Jesus answered them, Many good works I have shown you from My Father. For which of those works do you stone Me? 33The Jews answered Him, saying, For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God.
Reuben failed him because of his fear of the others (37:21-22; 29-30)
Simon Peter failed Jesus (Luke 22:54-61)
2B. The brothers’ actions against the favored son
Their rejection of Joseph (37:23-24)
Ø They stripped him (37:23)
Matthew 27:28 And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him.
Ø They scorned him (37:24)
Matthew 27:29-31 When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" 30 Then they spat on Him, and took the reed and struck Him on the head. 31 And when they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him away to be crucified.
Their removal of Joseph (37:25-35)
Ø They sold him (37:25-28; Matthew 26:15-16)
Matthew 26:15 …What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?" And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver.
Ø They staged his death (37:31-32; Isaiah 53)
Ø They sadden his father (37:33-35; Matthew 27:46)
Matthew 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" that is, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?"
Application
Isaiah 9:6-7 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
How have you received the Son?
Are you sharing the Son?
Are you seeking to see others grow in their love for and commitment to the Son?