Joseph, A Symbol of Our Merciful Savior
(A story of forgiveness)
If you have never done anything stupid, fallen on your face, or felt guilt for past mistakes, then this message may not have great meaning for you; but for me, Joseph makes the atonement of Christ real. It brings tears of gratitude and re-plants hope. Please read, ponder, and be grateful for Joseph; yes–but even more for Jesus, for whom Joseph is a type.
Here is a son favored by his father Jacob (Israel). Can you hear Jacob introduce his son as: This is my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased (Matt. 3:17)?
Joseph’s brothers hated him and would have killed him, had it not been for Reuben, the eldest brother. Jesus, too, was hated and killed. Isaiah prophesied: He is despised and rejected of men (Isaiah 53:3).
Joseph spent lonely years away from his family, yet he made the most of what was left of his life. He rose to prominence and trust in the House of Potipher, was falsely accused, betrayed, and sent to prison. Even there he was faithful and trusted and eventually remembered when the Pharaoh needed him to interpret a troubling dream. He was given glory and station in Egypt, second only to the Pharaoh.
Jesus condescended from his station with his Father when he was born of Mary in a lowly stable. He spent his life doing good, and was trusted and loved by those who knew him. He was betrayed, cast into the dungeon at the House of Caiaphas, went through the mockery of a trial, was scourged, then crucified between two thieves. While on the cross he showed love and concern for his mother and asked for forgiveness for his crucifiers.
Jesus was resurrected, continued to teach and instruct his Church for forty days, and then ascended to his heavenly reward. He invites us to receive that reward with him.
Perhaps it is easier for us to relate to Joseph. What were his feelings when he first saw his brother’s again? Did he want to get even with them? He did want to find out if they had a change of heart and tested them, but he did not have feelings of anger or hatred toward them. He frankly forgave them, and wept when doing so, assuring them that it was God who brought him to Egypt so that he would be in a position to save them, his family, from the famine. He was, indeed, a savior for them–a prototype of Jesus.
Jesus honored his father and always sought to do his will. Joseph also honored his father, Israel. He brought him to Egypt in style, cared for him and respected his wishes to return to his homeland for burial.
When Jacob (Israel) was properly cared for in burial and Joseph and his brethren returned to Egypt, the brothers, still feeling guilt pled for Joseph’s forgiveness. Joseph wept when they spoke to him and said, Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones, And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them (Genesis 50:17-21).
We, like Joseph’s brothers, may not feel worthy and even feel guilty as they did. We may not understand that forgiveness is a gift from God. He wants us to feel peace. Righteous people want others to feel peace, happiness, and forgiveness.
Zenoch, an ancient prophet, teaches us this fundamental truth about the mercy of God:
Thou art angry, O Lord, with this people, because they will not understand thy mercies which thou hast bestowed upon them because of thy Son (Alma 33:16).
Just like Joseph, who wanted his brethren to be happy and not bear guilt, Heavenly Father and his Son Jesus Christ want us to give up our burdens. The Savior paid that price. Now it is up to us to accept his divine gift.
The key is repentance. This key is a gift from a loving Father. He invites us, and expects us to cast off that burden of sin and receive the peace which passes all understanding. Here is His promise to us:
Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I the Lord, remember them no more. By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins–behold, he will confess them and forsake them (Doctrine and Covenants 58:42-43)
May we learn from Joseph, that our Heavenly Father loves us and wants us to be happy. He sent his Beloved Son to make restitution for our sins. He expects us to receive that eternal gift and is angry with those who refuse it. May we accept his divine grace and receive it gratefully, and in return show our love to Him by keeping His commandments. They lead us to the fountain of all righteousness and life eternal.
Merlin Frei