2. Introduction Last week, we began to study similarities between the life of Joseph and Jesus. They were both hated by their brothers, men plotted their death, and they were both tempted to sin and falsely accused. We may not be hated by our brothers, but we will likely be hated by the world, Satan is plotting for our spiritual death, and we all are tempted to sin and suffer persecution. This morning we will study more similarities between the life of Joseph and Jesus.

3. (Joseph) Exalted after Suffering God was with Joseph while in jail and granted him favor over the warden so that he became the jailer God was with Joseph while in jail and granted him favor over the warden so that he became the jailer (Gen. 39:20-23). Joseph did not complain, argue, or become bitter while he was suffering. He faithfully interpreted the butler and baker’s dreams and it came to pass (Gen. 40:1-13). Even though the butler forgot him, Joseph was there to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams and was exalted from the prison to the palace. Even though the butler forgot him, Joseph was there to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams and was exalted from the prison to the palace. (Gen. 40:23; 41:26, 40-41)

4. (Jesus) Exalted after Suffering Jesus was not exalted to the right hand of God until after he endured through suffering the death on the cross Jesus was not exalted to the right hand of God until after he endured through suffering the death on the cross (Phil. 2:8-9). Just like all the people of the world bowed down before Joseph, every knee will bow before Jesus (Phil. 2:10). We are to follow Jesus in his example of suffering without retaliation (1 Peter 2:21ff) and if we do, we will eventually be glorified together with Him (Rom. 8:16-17).

5. (Joseph) Tested His Brothers After 7 years of plenty, the famine begins, and Joseph’s 10 brothers go to Egypt and unknowingly bow down to him After 7 years of plenty, the famine begins, and Joseph’s 10 brothers go to Egypt and unknowingly bow down to him (Ge. 42:1-6). Joseph tested them saying that they would stay in prison unless one of them brings back their youngest brother Benjamin (v. 7-20). The brothers think they’re suffering because of what they did to Joseph (v. 21-24). Later on when the brothers come back with Benjamin, he tests them to see if they will let him be a slave Later on when the brothers come back with Benjamin, he tests them to see if they will let him be a slave (Gen. 44:10-12).

6. (Jesus) Tested His Brethren Jesus tested Philip about where he was going to buy bread for all the people and He fed all the 5,000 to show that He is the Bread of Life Jesus tested Philip about where he was going to buy bread for all the people and He fed all the 5,000 to show that He is the Bread of Life (John 6:5-10, 35). Jesus tested his brethren to see if they would put their trust in the flesh or the word of God which brings eternal life (Jn. 6:26-27). Many failed the test and quit walking with Him (John 6:60-66) but the apostles said, “To whom shall we go, you have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68).

7. (Joseph) Evil Turned Out to be Good as He Forgave His Brothers When Joseph reveals himself to his brothers and after their father’s death, he does not take revenge on his brothers but instead forgave them for selling him into slavery. When Joseph reveals himself to his brothers and after their father’s death, he does not take revenge on his brothers but instead forgave them for selling him into slavery. (Gen. 45:1-5; 50:15-18). Joseph said, “Do not be afraid for am I in God’s place….you meant evil against me but God meant it for good…to preserve many people alive” (Gen. 50:19-20).

8. (Jesus) Evil Turned Out to be Good as He Forgave His Brethren They crucified their Messiah but God raised Him up from the dead and Jesus was willing to forgive them They crucified their Messiah but God raised Him up from the dead and Jesus was willing to forgive them (Luke 23:34; Acts 2:22-24). Jesus’ prayers were answered when about 3,000 were willing to repent and be baptized for the remission of their sins (Acts 2:38). “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Ro. 8:28).

9. Similarities: Life of Joseph & Jesus They were both exalted after they suffered. They both tested their brethren. The evil that was inflicted against them turned out for good for man’s salvation. We have all done evil but God can turn it to good if we will obey Jesus (Acts 22:16). Our faith will be tested by trials but it will help us to grow spiritually (James 1:2-4). After we suffer, we’ll be exalted from depths of despair to heights of heaven After we suffer, we’ll be exalted from depths of despair to heights of heaven (1 Pet. 5:6-11).