To Save Many People Alive

The story of Joseph ends for us this morning in this touching interchange between he and his brothers. The main lesson that we should learn from the life of Joseph is that God has a great and loving purposes in permitting His dear children to go through various trials and testings of their faith. Even though He has sometimes ordained great trials for us, it is always His intention to bring about great good in the lives of His people. His loving purpose is to save many people alive. He did this for Jacob, Joseph, and his whole family.
So the question that I would like to bring before you at this time, is this: What was the purpose of God in permitting these trials and testings, not only to Joseph but to all of his brothers? And how does God's purpose for Joseph set forth for us a type of Christ in relation to all those who are being saved by Him? As we think carefully together about this passage, I will make three observations which I think will help you to understand more of the love of God and Christ.