Easter | A Promise: Jesus on Every Page - Pt 1
Springcreek Church | Senior Pastor Keith Stewart
April 3, 2022
A DREAMER
Typology is a major category of prophecy. They are pretty common in Scripture and often misunderstood. People, rites and ceremonies, events, objects and offices are all used in Scripture as types. Think of them as prophetic symbols. That’s the subject of this Sunday’s message as we examine one of the best known characters in the Old Testament – Joseph as a type of Christ. I hope you can join us as we continue our quest in finding Jesus on Every Page.
SERIES: JESUS ON EVERY PAGE
Jesus is the central figure of the Bible – not just the gospels and not just the New Testament. From cover to cover, old and new alike, we are being told the story of Jesus. This is especially true when it comes to the gospel message of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. In these days leading up to Easter, we want to see Jesus in ways we never have before – we want to see Jesus on every page.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What is your biggest takeaway from this message? How did it strengthen, challenge or encourage your faith?
2. There are so many dysfunctional family relationships in Genesis, even in this story. Just because Joseph is a type of Christ doesn’t mean his life or family was perfect. Discuss the impact of favoritism in families.
3. It’s been said, Joseph’s dreams were in good shape but the dreamer was not. He had to go through a breaking and reforming process before he would be ready to see his dreams come to fruition. Discuss the youthful sharing of his dreams with his brothers. Was that wise? How did it impact their relationship with Joseph?
4. Hatred for Joseph is a recurring theme among the brothers. Two ways their hatred manifested were in name-calling and in referring to Joseph as “this son of yours” instead of “this brother of mine.” They spoke of him in relationally distant terms. Have you ever known people like this or have you yourself ever done this to somebody? Why do we call people names?
5. The scenario Joseph constructed after seeing his brothers again was brilliant. In favoring Benjamin and giving him 5x’s as much food, he would see for himself whether his brothers were changed men. Would they once again abandon their younger, favored brother? Judah’s willingness to step in and take Benjamin’s punishment was all the proof Joseph needed that his brothers had in fact changed. Joseph wanted a relationship with his brothers but not on any terms. This scenario proved they were changed men. Forgiveness is one way. I don’t need another’s confession or even acknowledgment of wrongdoing for me to forgive. But reconciliation requires not only a confession but must also be accompanied by meaningful actions that back up the sincerity of the confession. Have you ever forgiven someone with whom you knew you could never have a relationship again? When you’ve been wronged or when you’ve wronged another, what sort of actions lend credibility to one’s confession?
6. What other ways does Joseph’s life parallel Christ’s life that Pastor Keith did not mention or emphasize in his message? You can google “Joseph, a type of Christ” to find numerous resources that list many other similarities. Discuss these with the group.
FOR FURTHER STUDY
Typology, or prophetic symbols, is an important part in God’s plan to reveal His Son to us. Through people, events, and things God was teaching His people about those things that would help us recognize Messiah. Do some study and try to find other examples of types in the Old Testament. Record and share your findings with others.
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