Beloved Son – The Presidential Prayer Team

Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other. – Genesis 37:3

Much of the last part of the book of Genesis is devoted to the life of Joseph. As you read it, you will see similarities between him and your Savior Jesus Christ. Today’s verse, while it references a father who was not exactly the best representation of a father, states that Joseph was the most beloved son of Israel. We know from the Book of John that Jesus was the only begotten Son of God, of whom God Himself said at Jesus’ baptism, “This is my Son, whom I love, with him I am well pleased.” (John 1: 14, Matthew 3:17).

Pastor and author Adrian Rogers says there are “four episodes in the life of Joseph that foreshadow the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” First, Joseph is the beloved son. Then he is seen as a suffering servant. In Joseph’s case, it was to the Egyptian captain of the guard, Potiphar, whereas Jesus‘ suffering was through His arrest, abuse, and crucifixion. Rogers also says that Joseph as a picture of Jesus becomes the exalted sovereign. “He was given a new name, a new robe, and a new bride,” and became ruler over the most powerful nation of its time. “One day, every knee worldwide will bow to Jesus.” Finally, Joseph saves many people, including his own family. Jesus is Savior of the world.

Bible teacher and author Arthur W. Pink points out that no sin was ever mentioned as having occurred in Joseph’s life. Surely, he was not entirely sinless, no human is except for Jesus. The Apostle Peter writes of Christ, “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth” (1 Peter 2:22). Pastor Erik Raymond wrote, “When you look at a list of the details, sometimes it’s hard to discern whether we are talking about Joseph or Jesus.” He adds, “It is because God is sovereign and He has been laying the tracks for the glory of Christ throughout redemptive history.”

Joseph led a life of trusting and obeying God. The lyrics of an old hymn say, “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.” Let your life be a reflection of what God has done for you, from redeeming your soul to giving you a place in His forever family. Just as the Father loves the Son, so He loves you!

Today’s Verse: Genesis 37:3

Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of his old age. And he made him a robe of many colors.

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Recommended for further reading: John 17:20-26

²⁰“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, ²¹that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
²²The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, ²³I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. ²⁴Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.
²⁵O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. ²⁶I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”