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As discussed in The Messiah - Part I, the ancient sages of Israel maintain that our final redemption will have two phases, “the long awaited redemption will first bring Mashiach Ben Yosef a descendant of Joseph.” Joseph was one of Jacobs sons, in his life history there are many events that correspond to the occurrences and circumstances in Messiah’s life. In other words, Joseph’s life history is a type of the Messiah’s life history. If we were to study both individuals side by side we may be surprised at the similarity of events in both of their lives.
The examples in the Holy Writings are many; I’ll present just ten to stimulate your thinking.
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Joseph |
Messiah |
| 1. Both were first born |
Genesis 30:22--24 |
Matt 1:25 |
| 2. Both were shepherds |
Genesis 37:2 |
Matt 2:26, 26:31, John 10:11 |
| 3. Both are prophesied to be rulers |
Genesis 37:5-11 |
Daniel 7:13-14, Micah 4:4, 5:2, Psalm 2 |
| 4. Both had jealous brothers |
Genesis 37:4-5 |
John 7:3-5 |
| 5. Both were rejected by their own |
Genesis 37:18-28 |
Acts 2:22-23 |
| 6. Both went to Egypt |
Genesis 37:28 |
Matt 2:13-15 |
| 7. Both had the spirit of the living God |
Genesis 41:38 |
Luke 4:1, Acts 10:38 |
| 8. Both saw seven yrs. of tribulation |
Genesis 41: 54-55 |
Mark 13:8, Jeremiah 30:7 |
| 9. Both were not recognized by their brothers |
Genesis 42:8 |
John 1:10 |
| 10. Both are recognized by their brothers |
Genesis 45:3 |
Zachariah 12:10, Rev 1:7 |
Joseph’s brothers recognized him, only after they were ready and willing to follow the direction given to them: “Come closer”, Gen 45:4. And, only after they followed his instruction did the sweet reunion take place.
For us as Jews today “come closer” means to put all we have heard from traditional Judaism about the Messiah on the back burner and praying… study the Torah afresh asking YHWH to reveal what is in His teaching in the Torah about the Messiah. If we can do that, we will have a sweet reunion with our brother too.
Shalom to you.
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