Restoring Broken Relationships
Introduction
Forgiveness is man’s deepest need and God’s highest achievement. –Horace Bushnell.
Joseph, like Jesus, was sent ahead of his brothers to provide a way for their preservation.
Thesis: Jesus prepares the way for our salvation.
Joseph’s life, as a type of Christ, demonstrates the preparations for our salvation.
Christ Prays that We Recognize Who He Is
A. Exegesis
- Joseph weeps because his brothers do not recognize him.
- a. Joseph, the one they hated and sold into slavery.
- b. “I am Joseph” = “may God add”
- Jesus weeps and prays for us that we will recognize Him as Lord.
- a. Jesus, the One we hated and crucified
- b. Jesus, the Substitute, took abuse from us and punishment from God that was meant for us.
- c. “I Am” = “Jesus is God”
B. Illustration
A Japanese soldier by the name of Shoichi Yokoi lived in a cave on the island of Guam to which he fled in 1944 when the tides of war began to change. Fearing for his life, he stayed hidden for twenty-eight years in the jungle cave, coming out only at night. During his self-imposed exile, he lived on frogs, rats, snails, shrimp, nuts and mangoes. Even when he figured out the war was over, he was afraid to come out for fear he would be executed. Two hunters found him one day and escorted him to freedom. He was living all this time under the indictment of sins that had all been dealt with–but he simply had not recognized the war was over.
C. Application
- Jesus prepared for our salvation by being the Substitute to pay for our sins.
- Jesus prays that we will recognize Jesus as our God and Substitute.
Christ Reconciles Us to Himself
A. Exegesis
- Joseph invited his brothers to “come close to” him, v. 4.
- Jesus invites us to draw near to God through Him.
- Jesus forgives our wrongs to Him and others.
B. Illustration
After a vigorous brotherly and sisterly disagreement, the three children went to bed only to be aroused at 2 o’clock in the morning by a terrific thunderstorm. Hearing an unusual noise upstairs, the father called out to find out what was going on. A little voice answered, “We’re all in the closet forgiving each other.”
C. Application–When we recognize Jesus as God and as our brother, He forgives us.
Christ Restores Us to the Father
A. Exegesis
- Joseph set about to restore his family ties.
- Jesus restores us to the Father’s fellowship.
B. Illustration–Joseph provided land for his father’s family.
C. Application–All we ever need is Christ, for Christ prepares and provides everything we need.