** The Treasure Valley Fox - The Wicket Gate**

One of the Strongest Old Testament Pictures of Christ

Joseph is widely regarded as one of the clearest and most detailed types (foreshadowings) of Yeshua in the Old Testament. His life parallels the life and ministry of Christ in remarkable ways.

Detailed Comparison: Joseph ↔ Yeshua

AspectJoseph (Genesis)Yeshua (The Gospels & NT)
Beloved SonBeloved son of his father Jacob (Gen 37:3)Beloved Son of the Father (Matt 3:17, 17:5)
Sent by the FatherSent by his father to his brothers (Gen 37:13-14)Sent by the Father to His own (John 3:16, 5:36)
Hated & RejectedHated by his brothers without cause (Gen 37:4, 8)Hated and rejected by His own (John 1:11, 15:25)
Sold for SilverSold for 20 pieces of silver (Gen 37:28)Betrayed for 30 pieces of silver (Matt 26:15)
Stripped of RobeRobe of many colors stripped off (Gen 37:23)Garments stripped before crucifixion (John 19:23-24)
Falsely AccusedFalsely accused and imprisoned (Gen 39)Falsely accused and condemned (Matt 26-27)
Suffered in SilenceEndured suffering without bitterness“As a lamb before its shearers is silent” (Isa 53:7)
Descended into “Pit”Thrown into a pit, then prison (tomb-like)Descended into death and the grave
Exalted to Right HandRaised from prison to the right hand of PharaohRaised from the dead and seated at God’s right hand
Given New Name & AuthorityGiven a new Egyptian name and universal authorityGiven the name above every name (Phil 2:9-11)
Savior of His PeopleSaved Egypt and his own family from famineSavior of the world and His brethren (the Jews & Church)
Forgave His BrothersFreely forgave those who betrayed him (Gen 45, 50)“Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34)
Bread ProviderProvided grain (bread) to a starving worldThe Bread of Life (John 6:35)

Key Theological Summary

Joseph’s life powerfully illustrates the principle:
“You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” (Genesis 50:20 NKJV)

This is the very heart of the gospel. What men meant for evil at the cross, God meant for the salvation of the world.

Yeshua is the true and greater Joseph:

  • Rejected by His brothers
  • Suffered unjustly
  • Descended into the lowest place
  • Exalted to the highest place
  • Became the Savior and Sustainer of His people

Cross-References