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11/15 Reading Portions: 1 Chronicles 5-6; Hebrews 10; Amos 4; Psalm 148-150
1 Chronicles 5:2
though Judah became strong among his brothers and a chief came from him,
yet the birthright belonged to Joseph),
SERVANT
The chapter begins by taking us back to the genealogy of Jacob in Genesis. Reuben lost his birthright as the firstborn “because he defiled his father’s couch” (1 Chr 5:1) when he went into Bilhah (Gen 35:22). Although the Messiah would come through the lineage of Judah because Judah was the forefather of David, the son of Jesse, it was Judah who suggested Joseph be sold as a slave (Gen 37:26-28). In this, Judah’s betrayal of his brother reflected the betrayal of Jesus Christ by Judas Iscariot, as well His rejection by the religious Jews. By God’s grace, Judah would reflect a more glorious gospel model a little later in his life; yet, the birthright belonged to Joseph because Joseph’s life reflected the gospel model of the suffering Son (Isa 52:13; 53:3). Although one of the prominent names Jewish scholars have for the Christ is Messiah, Son of David, some of them also refer to the Christ as Messiah, Son of Joseph, because of Joseph’s sufferings. Here are just a few prophetic foreshadows of Joseph, as they point to the gospel of Jesus Christ…
Joseph wore a coat of many colors (Gen 37:3); Jesus wore a seamless garment (John 19:23). Joseph was initially rejected by his brothers (Gen 37:20), just as Jesus was rejected by His brothers (John 1:11; 7:5). Reuben, discovered an empty pit where Joseph was placed (Gen 37:30); Simon Peter found an empty tomb (John 20:4-8). Joseph’s coat was dipped in blood to show his death (Gen 37:31); Christ’s vesture is dipped in blood to proclaim His sacrifice (Rev 19:3). Joseph was goodly and well favored (Gen 39:6); Jesus grew in wisdom and favor (Luke 2:52). Joseph began ruling at the age of thirty (Gen 41:46); Jesus began his ministry at the age of thirty (Luke 3:23). Joseph married an Egyptian bride (Gen 41:45); Jesus is betrothed to a gentile bride (2 Cor 11:12). Joseph was not recognized by his brothers (Gen 42:8); the risen Savior was not recognized by His disciples (Luke 24:16; John 21:12). Joseph was the fruitful bough (Gen 49:22); Jesus is the fruitful Vine (John 15:1-6). Joseph was sent to Egypt by God to save a nation (Gen 50:20); Jesus Christ was sent to Israel by God to save the world (John 3:16).
We, too, are gospel models because our birthright is Christ. Hallelujah! What a Savior!
