Joseph might be the most vivid type of Christ in the Old Testament. Joseph was beloved by his father (Gen. 37:3-4). He was hated and rejected by his brothers (Gen. 37:8). He was believed to be dead, but actually alive (Gen. 45:28). While his own people believed him to be dead, Joseph saved a Gentile people, and married a Gentile bride (Gen. 41:50; 47:25). Finally, he revealed himself to his brethren, forgave them, and eventually saved them too (Gen. 45:3,7).
Jesus is beloved by the Father (Matt. 3:17). Jesus was hated and rejected by his own brothers and people (Isa. 53:3; Jn. 1:11). Jesus died, and was resurrected from the dead (Rev. 1:18). Jesus saves, and marries the Gentiles (Hos. 2:23; Rom. 9:24-33; 15:12). Finally, Jesus will reveal Himself to His brethren where they will look with amazement at His wounds (Zech. 12:10; 13:6). Jesus Christ will forgive Israel and eventually extend salvation to them (Isa. 66:8; Matt. 23:39; Rom. 11:26-29).
Such typology sheds light upon Genesis 47:25: “And they said, Thou hast saved our lives; let us find grace in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh’s servants.” Joseph had preserved the Egyptian people during the famine.
Our “Joseph” has saved us! We have found grace in His sight. Like the Egyptians, we owe our salvation to the Savior. The Egyptians were powerless and hopeless, but God raised up a savior who preserved them. Likewise, we were unable to save ourselves from the consequences of sin. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ. By grace, we have been saved (Eph. 2:4-5)! Now let us become Christ’s faithful servants.