How does Reuben's attempt to save Joseph reflect Christ's role as our Savior? Reuben’s Intervention: A Firstborn’s Burden “ When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue Joseph from their hands. ‘Let us not take his life,’ he said.” (Genesis 37:21) • Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn, steps between murderous brothers and the beloved son. • His goal: spare Joseph and “restore him to his father” (v. 22). • Though flawed and ultimately ineffective, his impulse to deliver prefigures a greater Deliverer. Foreshadowing the True Firstborn • Jesus is “the firstborn over all creation” (Colossians 1:15) and “firstborn among many brothers” (Romans 8:29). • Where Reuben merely intended to save, Christ decisively accomplishes salvation (Hebrews 7:25). • Reuben’s concern for a brother anticipates the Firstborn’s concern for all who will become His brothers and sisters. Rescue by Substitution • Reuben urged, “Shed no blood” (v. 22), yet could not stop Joseph’s suffering. • Christ not only stops the sentence; He steps under it: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep” (John 10:11). • Isaiah 53:5 shows the exchange Reuben could not provide: “He was pierced for our transgressions…by His stripes we are healed.” Returning the Beloved Son to the Father • Reuben planned to “deliver him back to his father” (v. 22). • Jesus’ mission culminates in presenting the redeemed to the Father: “This is the will of Him who sent Me, that I should lose none of all He has given Me, but raise them up at the last day” (John 6:39). • Through Christ, we are “brought near” (Ephesians 2:13) and adopted (Galatians 4:5-6). Hidden Plan, Perfect Timing • Reuben’s rescue scheme was secret (“that he might rescue him,” v. 22). • God’s redemptive plan, “hidden for ages” (1 Corinthians 2:7-8), was unveiled at “the fullness of time” (Galatians 4:4). • What brothers meant for evil (Genesis 50:20), God used to elevate Joseph—mirroring the cross where apparent defeat became triumph. Contrast and Completion • Reuben’s failure: Joseph still descends into the pit. • Christ’s success: “He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). • “For as through one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of One the many will be made righteous” (Romans 5:19). Living the Picture Today • Like Reuben, we are called to stand in the gap for others—but empowered by the finished work of Christ. • “God…gave us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18). • Reuben’s imperfect shadow drives us to trust the perfect Savior who rescues completely and returns us safely to the Father’s arms. |
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