This, and other passages of scripture in the New Testament, reveal to us something very interesting about how we ought to read the Bible. Because while we quickly perceive its moral teachings, we are slow to perceive Him who speaks. We often read for information, or for self-betterment, or for the vague notion that it is our duty to do so. But Christ says read simply because it is about Him. From His own mouth we learn that scripture ought to be interpreted Cristologically. This means interpretation through Christ, towards Christ. All the history, the prophecy, the poetry, the wisdom, the letters, the stories, even the law, are meant to show us His face. Remarkable, isn't it? And so often counter to everything we would have thought on our own. Like the disciples on the road, we are often blind to Jesus in the words, until we are shown Who it is that is speaking to us. I'd encourage you to pray as you read scripture, and pray that the Spirit (who is alive and well, and working to this end) would show you Jesus in whatever you are reading. Because He's there.
An example from the past few days: I've been reading about Joseph and his technicolor dreamcoat. By the by, 'brightly colored' may have been a poor translation. It seems a more accurate to translate the Hebrew to say 'long sleeved', which would be the equivalent of 'white collar' in our society (you can't do manual labor if your sleeves keep getting in the way, and thus long sleeves are a sign of wealth, and preferential treatment).
Regardless, we know that Joseph is hated for his father's love. He is sent to his brothers, and in anger they throw him into a pit. They intend to kill him, but at the last minute find that selling him as a slave would be more profitable (and less abrasive to their consciences). He is brought into Egypt, where he lives and grows in respect and responsibility until Pharoah raises him up to sit at his right hand- just in time to prepare the nation for a famine. Because of his care for the people and his wisdom, he gathers grain and stockpiles it, and when the famine comes, first Egypt, and then the world- even Israel- must come to him for food. The grain is in abundance, but over time it costs the people everything. They have no food- what are their belongings to them? Belongings are gladly traded for life. And in the end even their lives are offered to Pharoah, becoming slaves and servants for their food. Joseph and his family are reconciled, and he brings them to Egypt, providing for their every need.** In reconciling with his brothers, who had betrayed and all but killed him, comes his famous line: "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." (Gen. 50.20)
And as I prayed and read, I began to notice the many parallels to Jesus. Hated for His Father's love. Cast out, killed. Sent to a land which His brothers did not understand, and in which they saw no hope. But there He is raised up, and has an abundance of food. The food is for the people, life for which we in turn give all that we have. Truly, we find ourselves in a famine today. The things which we thought would give us life do not. The things to which we cling for comfort and encouragement fail us, for the whole world is failing, is broken. And we must come, laying down our idols, again and again, until we are truly surrendered before Him. And was not the cross evil, the greatest of all evils? But was it not also glory, the greatest good which God has ever wrought? In Genesis, Joseph weeps when his brothers return, and again when they beg for forgiveness. How much more does Jesus weep when His brothers and sisters see their sin and return in humility and love? If Joseph loves even his betrayers, how much more does Jesus love us, who betray Him daily and yet have been ransomed back?
Of course, no one who represents Christ in scripture can do so perfectly, nor fully. If they could, they would be Christ themselves. So we find some differences- the most important to note is that the grain is sold. Our life in Christ is given. 'Come, buy food that lasts, without money and without cost' (Isaiah 55.1-2, paraphrased). Grace, our life, is given to us for free- but then again, does it not cost everything? Do we not realize, when we turn to Christ for life and comfort, that we have nothing to give? Do we not pledge our lives, because we find that we have nothing else of value? Even our lives we know to be a paltry gift compared to what we have been given- yet to offer ourselves to the Lord is a offering of gratitude.
In another difference, Joseph declares that he will hold no grudge, for 'he is not in the place of God'. How much greater is the grace of one who is in the place of God, but still forgives?
The similarities reveal the good news of Jesus' provision for us in grace clearly, but even the differences whisper His name. So, an exercise. This is a closing passage of Joseph's story- read it, if you like, and ask the Lord to show you Jesus in it. I'd wager He will, and what you'll find is incredible.
‘Say to Joseph, Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” But Joseph said to them, “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.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
(Genesis 50.17-21)
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*Luke 24.13-35
**This story takes place in Genesis, chapters 37-50. Apparently, he's a big deal.
