+DEV+ Jesus: Amidst Transgressors

Date: August 17, 2012 1:48 AM
Topic: +DEV+  Jesus: Amidst Transgressors

Jesus: Amidst Transgressors

"Pharaoh was angry with his two officials, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker, and put them... in the same prison where Joseph was confined."  (Genesis 40:2-3)
Scripture Focus: Genesis 39:20-40:23

Like Jesus many years later, innocent Joseph endured trouble and pain. Instead of brooding over his misfortune, Joseph responded as a suffering, dutiful servant, exemplifying the Lord Jesus who was to come. The captain of the guard increased Joseph's responsibilities, even putting him in charge of the entire prison.

"...[T]he LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did" (Genesis 39:23). Like Jesus, Joseph won the respect of all who knew him.

Seven hundred years before Jesus' death, Isaiah prophesied of Him: "...[H]e poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors..." (Isaiah 53:12a). In Joseph's story, the cupbearer and baker who'd been thrown into prison were to see the fulfillment of their destinies in "three days" (Genesis 40:12). One would be pardoned and restored and one put to death. Likewise, one of the thieves surrounding Jesus on a cross would perish, while the other was pardoned and entered Paradise. In "three days," Jesus Himself would rise physically.

Insight: God Gave Joseph Insights And Talents Beyond His Natural Abilities. In The Same Way, God Empowers Each Believer To Fulfill His Purposes For Us.