Joseph, the Saviour of His Family (Genesis 45:1-13)
Sermon Summary
Pastor David Yan
12 February 2023
Joseph's brothers, out of envy, sold him into slavery. It was a grievous sin.
But Joseph in Egypt rose to great fame and power. He controlled the food supply in a time of famine. His brothers were experiencing famine in Canaan and came to Egypt for food. They stood before the ruler. To them he was a stranger—an Egyptian official, but in fact he was Joseph.
Joseph wept when he saw his brothers but finally revealed himself. "I am Joseph.”
He spoke from a position of authority. Jesus also spoke from authority when he said "I am the resurrection and the life.” Joseph points us to Jesus. Both revealed themselves with "I am.”
Joseph then said "Please come near to me.” He does not punish his brothers. Instead he bids them to draw near to him.
Jesus does not punish those who approach his throne. His throne is a throne of pardon not punishment. He invites us to draw near to him to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
"God sent me before you to preserve a posterity ... It was not you who sent me here, but God.” Joseph's brothers sold Joseph into Egypt but God was in control. God uses second causes to effect his purpose. He uses even evil things but not in such a way that he is author of that evil. The story of Joseph is an example. The story of Judas Iscariot is another example. Judas Iscariot did an evil thing but God used what Judas Iscariot did to achieve his purpose, namely the death of Jesus for the forgiveness of sins.
"Hurry and go up to my father..." Joseph's brothers, when enlightened, must go forth and tell Jacob their father that Joseph was alive. Hearers of good news must also be bearers of good news.
Christians enlightened by the Holy Spirit about the person of Jesus must go forth and proclaim that Jesus lives. This is the gospel. This proclamation must be done with urgency. Joseph told his brothers to "hurry". Christians must be urgent and zealous in telling others about Jesus.
"I will provide for you". Joseph, with all his authority, promised his care for his family. Jesus also, with all authority promises his care for his people. They are to seek God first and he shall provide for all their needs.
Just as Joseph was the saviour of his family so Jesus is the Saviour of his family...the church. The Lord will use all means to call his people to himself. Jesus has a family on earth and he shall definitely save them.
Only Joseph could save his sinful brothers. Only Jesus can save sinners. Repent of your sins before him. He will forgive you.