Similarly, the Apostle Peter, distinguished among his peers by the number of his followers and his prominence, boldly declared his faith and received Christ's affirmation: "Blessed art thou, Simon, son of Jonah, because flesh and blood hath not revealed these things unto thee, but my Father which art in heaven" (Matthew 16:17). God the Father subtly inspires us regarding the Son, guiding us back to restoration through Christ as our Savior and Redeemer. As the Savior Himself states, "No man can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him" (John 6:44).
Thus, through all of Holy Scripture, we are encouraged to grasp the truth about Him and cultivate a faith that is free from error, allowing us to maintain an unwavering heart, not swayed by the damning divisiveness of uncertainty. We must heed God’s warning through the prophets: "Because they love to wander, and do not keep their feet, for this cause the Lord is not favorable to them" (Jer. 14:10). The Lord reassures us with countless images, portraying faith in Him and illuminating historical events as vibrant representations of His knowledge.
For instance, Joseph, the youngest among his brothers at the age of seventeen, did not shy away from being a shepherd. Instead, he diligently worked alongside his siblings, eschewing the idleness often embraced by youth and not shunning the burdens of adult life. Joseph exemplified the wisdom of an elder, demonstrating a mature mindset and embodying the promise of future leadership. As it is written, "A son in his old age he became a son" (Genesis 37:3). This favoritism sparked jealousy among his brothers, born of both Bilhah and Zilpah, as well as among those born of Leah, who were accustomed to his father’s affection. The young man committed no wrongdoing, yet the love for him ignited unjust envy within them, leading to slanderous accusations directed against him as the text reveals: "But they brought evil slander upon Joseph against his father Israel."
Their resentment deepened, fueled by divine foreknowledge that Joseph would rise to greatness, garnering honor and recognition greater than his brothers. As the narrative concludes, we find ourselves invited to explore its deeper meaning. Joseph is the son of Rachel, described in the Scriptures as both fair in form and pleasing to behold, while Leah, representing the Jewish synagogue, bears a more somber depiction. The Scriptures describe Leah as having weak eyes while Rachel is portrayed as beautiful (Genesis 29:17). The spiritual state of the Jewish people, characterized by a lack of spiritual insight, is reiterated by the prophet: “They have... eyes, but they see not” (Ps. 113:13, Jer. 5:21, Is. 6:9-10).
The burden of the law weighed heavily upon them, as Christ recognized, calling the weary to Him: "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will comfort you" (Matthew 11:28). In contrast, the Church of the Gentiles, depicted by the pure and virtuous Rachel, sees the glory of Christ and enjoys communion with the divine Bridegroom. Rachel, described without "blemish" (Eph. 5:27), signifies a people free from the decay attributed to the first and archaic covenant, which has grown obsolete (Heb. 8:13).
Rachel is also seen as the flock of God's sheep, with Christ proclaiming regarding His disciples: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them; and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life” (John 10:27-28). Jesus is the good shepherd, having taken on our human form, as seen when John identifies Him as "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). Although numerous lambs were sacrificed in the law’s shadow, none could take away sin, as it is “impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should destroy sins” (Heb. 10:4). Instead, it was through the pure and perfect sacrifice of Christ that salvation was made attainable.
The name Joseph signifies "the addition and increase of God," as the congregation of believers continues to grow. Scripture encourages us to “Lift up thy eyes and look round about; they are all gathering, coming to thee” (Is. 49:18). Oftentimes the Lord “added daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47) and “more and more believers were joined to the Lord, multitudes of men and women” (Acts 5:14). As I have stated, the faithful community in Christ embodies the essence of God’s expansion.
Joseph, as a type of Christ, reaffirms the unity of believers in Him, with Christ as the Head and believers as His body (Col. 1:18). He is also the vine, and we are His branches, joined together in the sanctifying unity of the Spirit (John 15:1-2, 5). The description of Joseph at seventeen illuminates the timeless nature of Christ’s existence as the eternal Word, embodying both Godhood and humanity, and confirms that the Word that was with God is God (John 1:1). Thus, Joseph tended to his father’s flocks alongside his brothers, reflecting how the Word made flesh sought out the lost sheep of Israel, beckoning them to return to their Creator. "For God in Christ reconciled the world to Himself" (2 Cor. 5:19).
Immanuel led those who dwelled in spiritual bondage, as illustrated by the Israelites’ turning away. Though the law provided guidance, Christ was present, drawing all to Himself. He claimed, “I am the way” (John 14:6), while the teachers of the law, greedy for gain, led the people astray through false doctrines. In contrast, He, the good shepherd, was willing to sacrifice Himself for the sheep (John 10:14-15).
Just as Joseph faced slander from his brothers, so too did Christ endure false accusations from the Pharisees, who labeled Him a Samaritan (John 8:48) and even deemed Him demon-possessed (Matthew 11:19). In response, Christ, through the prophets, rebuked the unbridled tongues of detractors, proclaiming judgment upon them for their falsehoods (Hos. 7:13, 7:16). This parallels the unjust slander cast upon Joseph by his brethren.
THEOSIS