1 00:00:00,000 –> 00:00:03,560 We’ve seen that Joseph was a trusted servant who was falsely accused, 2 00:00:04,500 –> 00:00:10,080 that Potiphar’s wife spread a lie about him, that Potiphar suppressed the truth 3 00:00:10,080 –> 00:00:14,280 and that the result was that Joseph found himself 4 00:00:14,920 –> 00:00:16,400 suffering and 5 00:00:16,400 –> 00:00:20,040 thrown into prison. And today we’re going to see how Joseph 6 00:00:20,420 –> 00:00:26,559 ministered to others at this hardest time of his life. It’s a remarkable example and a wonderful testimony 7 00:00:27,139 –> 00:00:27,980 to us. 8 00:00:27,980 –> 00:00:32,080 He served, even when he suffered 9 00:00:32,180 –> 00:00:37,119 And I want us to focus today on the ministry of Joseph, the people that he served 10 00:00:37,119 –> 00:00:42,919 And then we’re going to see some very wonderful connections between this story and our Lord Jesus Christ 11 00:00:43,480 –> 00:00:47,139 So if you have your Bible open at Genesis 40 12 00:00:47,139 –> 00:00:53,779 We begin at verse 1, where we’re told that sometime after this the cupbearer of the King of Egypt and his baker 13 00:00:54,160 –> 00:00:58,860 Committed an offense against their Lord the King of Egypt 14 00:00:59,639 –> 00:01:01,639 So there are these two men 15 00:01:01,720 –> 00:01:02,759 the 16 00:01:02,759 –> 00:01:04,760 cupbearer and the baker and 17 00:01:05,059 –> 00:01:08,180 they were trusted servants of the King 18 00:01:08,660 –> 00:01:10,580 verse 2 tells us that 19 00:01:10,580 –> 00:01:13,500 One of them was the chief cupbearer 20 00:01:13,500 –> 00:01:19,080 So that means obviously that there were other staff underneath him and the other one was the chief baker 21 00:01:19,080 –> 00:01:23,519 So these are people who are kind of the right and left hand as it were of the 22 00:01:23,779 –> 00:01:27,320 King they have been trusted with responsible positions 23 00:01:27,320 –> 00:01:33,760 And then we are told that these two officers first one had committed an offense 24 00:01:34,260 –> 00:01:40,500 Now here’s an important distinction that Joseph was in prison because of a great injustice 25 00:01:40,699 –> 00:01:44,000 He was an innocent man as we saw earlier in the story 26 00:01:44,519 –> 00:01:50,080 But these two men were in prison for cause they had indeed committed an offense 27 00:01:50,120 –> 00:01:52,120 We’re not told what the offense was 28 00:01:52,279 –> 00:01:58,260 But it was against the Bible says the Lord the king of Egypt 29 00:01:58,500 –> 00:02:03,400 so here’s this king, and he’s trusted these people with significant responsibility and 30 00:02:04,360 –> 00:02:06,360 You know that 31 00:02:06,699 –> 00:02:11,820 nothing provokes anger like a trust that has been betrayed and 32 00:02:12,039 –> 00:02:15,360 that’s what has happened here the King has trusted these men and 33 00:02:15,679 –> 00:02:21,059 The trust has been betrayed. They’ve acted against the king. They were called to serve and 34 00:02:21,779 –> 00:02:26,639 As a result. We read in verse two that Pharaoh therefore was angry 35 00:02:27,559 –> 00:02:29,539 Now we come to the heart of the story 36 00:02:29,580 –> 00:02:35,899 which is inverse 5, the one night these two the cupbearer and the Baker dreamed 37 00:02:36,460 –> 00:02:41,020 Each his own dream and each dream with its own 38 00:02:42,399 –> 00:02:49,820 Interpretation. Now we touched on the subject of dreams earlier in the series and we noted that while 39 00:02:50,100 –> 00:02:57,559 Dreams are very significant in the story of Joseph. They do not occur frequently in other places the book of Daniel they occur 40 00:02:58,160 –> 00:03:00,839 significantly and a few places in the New Testament and 41 00:03:01,639 –> 00:03:04,860 the reason for this being relatively confined is that 42 00:03:05,440 –> 00:03:09,339 Hebrews chapter 1 tells us that in past times long ago 43 00:03:09,339 –> 00:03:13,699 The book of Hebrews says God spoke in many different ways 44 00:03:14,720 –> 00:03:18,399 But now the book of Hebrews says he has spoken to us in his son 45 00:03:18,600 –> 00:03:21,559 And so in the history of God’s revelation 46 00:03:21,580 –> 00:03:26,940 He’s used multiple means of communication and one of them here is this whole subject of dreams 47 00:03:27,460 –> 00:03:29,100 But says the book of Hebrews now 48 00:03:29,100 –> 00:03:30,860 He has spoken to us in his son 49 00:03:30,860 –> 00:03:34,240 which means that everything that God has to say to you is 50 00:03:34,820 –> 00:03:40,399 Communicated with absolute clarity in and through the person of his son Jesus Christ 51 00:03:40,520 –> 00:03:43,500 And I pause there just to remind you that for this reason 52 00:03:44,399 –> 00:03:49,059 Christian believers do not need to be unduly fretting about interpreting their dreams 53 00:03:49,059 –> 00:03:50,119 Don’t worry about that 54 00:03:50,119 –> 00:03:54,440 Don’t ask me to try and do that if you want to know what God is saying to you 55 00:03:54,440 –> 00:03:57,320 Don’t be in the business of trying to figure out your own dreams 56 00:03:57,979 –> 00:04:02,699 Read the Bible and as someone just quoted to me a tweet that I thought was rather good 57 00:04:02,699 –> 00:04:08,800 I don’t know who it was that had tweeted it, but it was to this effect if you want to hear God speak 58 00:04:09,720 –> 00:04:13,880 read the Bible if you want to hear God speak audibly 59 00:04:14,399 –> 00:04:15,880 Read your Bible out loud 60 00:04:15,880 –> 00:04:20,500 I thought that was I thought that was rather good and helpful 61 00:04:20,500 –> 00:04:26,540 But but here in this story quite clearly God is speaking to these men through their dreams 62 00:04:26,679 –> 00:04:29,000 Now, let’s look at the ministry of Joseph first 63 00:04:29,000 –> 00:04:33,140 Which is in verse 6 through 8. Three things. First 64 00:04:33,519 –> 00:04:37,160 He saw, verse 6, when Joseph came to them in the morning 65 00:04:37,399 –> 00:04:38,959 He saw 66 00:04:38,959 –> 00:04:42,980 That these two men the cupbearer and the baker were troubled 67 00:04:43,899 –> 00:04:47,799 very simply Joseph’s eyes were open to people around him and 68 00:04:49,000 –> 00:04:53,839 He was observant. He saw a change in the demeanor of these men 69 00:04:54,679 –> 00:05:00,200 Now here are two men who’re in prison? I don’t suppose they were particularly joyful even on the best of days 70 00:05:00,760 –> 00:05:05,239 But it was clear to Joseph that on this particular morning something was up with these men 71 00:05:06,119 –> 00:05:12,239 Joseph by this point had been given responsibility in the prison. So when he comes to them, what was he doing? 72 00:05:12,239 –> 00:05:16,000 I don’t know. Perhaps he was bringing their breakfast perhaps that was one of his 73 00:05:16,519 –> 00:05:22,160 responsibilities and with many duties he could easily have simply given them their breakfast turned on his way and 74 00:05:22,820 –> 00:05:24,859 Carried on with everything else he had to do 75 00:05:25,459 –> 00:05:31,339 But he didn’t do that. He took time to notice that there was a particular distress 76 00:05:32,040 –> 00:05:37,239 That he had not noticed before on the face of these two men 77 00:05:38,579 –> 00:05:43,500 Joseph saw that they were troubled and let’s just take this as we’re trying to gain 78 00:05:43,739 –> 00:05:49,059 Encouragement to ministry from the Scriptures today if you want to be useful to the Lord in ministry 79 00:05:49,700 –> 00:05:53,000 ask God to give you open eyes and 80 00:05:53,399 –> 00:05:55,399 the sensitive heart 81 00:05:55,700 –> 00:05:58,760 to be aware of to pick up on 82 00:05:59,760 –> 00:06:02,660 People who are troubled times 83 00:06:03,040 –> 00:06:09,519 When even on the face of a person there’s some evidence that there is a trouble that is going on in their heart 84 00:06:09,519 –> 00:06:10,700 he saw 85 00:06:10,700 –> 00:06:12,600 picked up on it and 86 00:06:12,600 –> 00:06:18,859 Second noticed that he asked for 7 he asked Pharaohs officers who were with him in custody in his master’s house 87 00:06:19,119 –> 00:06:21,660 Why are your faces downcast? 88 00:06:22,380 –> 00:06:23,579 today 89 00:06:23,579 –> 00:06:25,579 Now here’s a fascinating question 90 00:06:25,980 –> 00:06:30,720 These two men are in prison and Joseph says, why are you so unhappy today? 91 00:06:31,200 –> 00:06:38,079 You’re not expecting that they would normally be joyful. There was something that was more troubling to them than being in prison 92 00:06:39,200 –> 00:06:45,540 There was something more troubling to them than knowing that they were guilty of particular crimes 93 00:06:47,200 –> 00:06:48,619 What could be more 94 00:06:48,619 –> 00:06:54,260 Troubling that knowing you are truly guilty of particular crimes and that you are in prison 95 00:06:54,260 –> 00:06:56,260 What could be more troubling than that? 96 00:06:57,299 –> 00:07:04,200 Well, here’s what was more troubling to them on this particular day, and it even showed on their faces. They know that there is a God 97 00:07:05,279 –> 00:07:08,980 but they do not know what he has said and 98 00:07:09,679 –> 00:07:16,380 This causes this the stress to be evident even on their faces. They’ve had this dream. They’ve had this experience 99 00:07:16,380 –> 00:07:21,059 They have an awareness that there is a divine being that that in some ways 100 00:07:21,679 –> 00:07:23,779 Reaching out to them. They don’t know who God is 101 00:07:24,559 –> 00:07:28,760 They don’t have the faintest idea what it is. That God has actually said and 102 00:07:29,260 –> 00:07:36,119 This is distressing and here’s the point that around us there are many people in exactly that position 103 00:07:37,260 –> 00:07:39,799 Some general sense that there is a God 104 00:07:40,540 –> 00:07:46,359 but I don’t really know who is and I certainly don’t know what he has said, and so I’m left in this a 105 00:07:47,000 –> 00:07:54,239 Strange position of just being troubled with a sense of what I do not know and who I do not know and 106 00:07:55,559 –> 00:08:02,859 Joseph picks up on this and he sees the distress and he asks the question. Here’s the third thing he does he offers 107 00:08:03,480 –> 00:08:10,079 they said to him we have had dreams and there is no one to interpret them and 108 00:08:11,200 –> 00:08:13,200 Joseph said to them 109 00:08:13,339 –> 00:08:19,579 Do not interpretations belong to God, please tell them to me 110 00:08:20,839 –> 00:08:23,559 Now Joseph of course had this remarkable prophetic 111 00:08:23,980 –> 00:08:27,380 Gift by which through direct revelation from God 112 00:08:27,399 –> 00:08:32,840 He was able to interpret the dreams. And so he offered to tell these men 113 00:08:33,400 –> 00:08:36,799 What it was that God was speaking to them 114 00:08:37,520 –> 00:08:41,419 Now you say, well, how in the world does that apply to to us? How does that apply to me? 115 00:08:41,460 –> 00:08:45,500 I don’t have that gift of interpreting dreams. You don’t need to have it. Here’s why 116 00:08:46,619 –> 00:08:52,659 God has spoken his word in the scriptures that he has trusted to his people and 117 00:08:52,859 –> 00:08:55,500 all God’s people therefore are in a position 118 00:08:56,359 –> 00:09:01,299 Truly to tell others what God has said and this is why on the day of Pentecost 119 00:09:02,559 –> 00:09:06,200 Peter the apostle quoted the great prophecy of Joel 120 00:09:06,780 –> 00:09:10,940 Remember Joel’s prophecy God had said on the last days 121 00:09:10,960 –> 00:09:14,260 I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh 122 00:09:15,000 –> 00:09:21,619 Not just a few people, but on all of my people and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy 123 00:09:22,219 –> 00:09:24,219 So all of the people of God men 124 00:09:24,239 –> 00:09:29,340 And women are all going to be put in a position of being able truly to speak the Word of God 125 00:09:29,539 –> 00:09:34,760 How is that possible? Here’s how it’s possible. God has given his word and 126 00:09:35,419 –> 00:09:37,599 You may have this opportunity this week 127 00:09:38,039 –> 00:09:43,359 For your eyes to be open for you to see someone who is particularly troubled 128 00:09:43,960 –> 00:09:49,880 For you to pick up on it for you to ask and for that as it did with Joseph to open a door of 129 00:09:50,239 –> 00:09:51,979 opportunity for you to be able to say 130 00:09:51,979 –> 00:09:52,260 you know 131 00:09:52,260 –> 00:09:56,960 Do you want to know what God has said and then for you to be able to speak? 132 00:09:57,239 –> 00:10:02,460 Some words of Scripture with absolute confidence that when you bring something from the Word of God 133 00:10:02,460 –> 00:10:05,760 You really have brought into your into another person’s life 134 00:10:06,359 –> 00:10:12,260 something that God himself has actually said and so here is a 135 00:10:12,599 –> 00:10:18,580 marvelous marvelous model of ministry and a wonderful encouragement for us today and 136 00:10:19,380 –> 00:10:22,239 It’s really important folks for this reason 137 00:10:23,580 –> 00:10:26,299 That God’s people are not always like this 138 00:10:26,900 –> 00:10:31,599 We’re not always in the position where we’re sensitive picking up to others 139 00:10:31,739 –> 00:10:36,140 Asking the question that opens the door for ministry and ready to speak the Word of God 140 00:10:36,599 –> 00:10:40,159 God’s people are not always like this. Oh that we were always like Joseph 141 00:10:41,219 –> 00:10:44,340 the truth is that sometimes we’re more like Jonah and 142 00:10:45,059 –> 00:10:47,940 You remember you see the parallels in the stories 143 00:10:48,659 –> 00:10:51,059 Jonah also is in a situation 144 00:10:52,059 –> 00:10:57,359 He’s among people who are in great distress because they have an awareness that that is a god 145 00:10:58,020 –> 00:11:02,840 God’s got that attention not by sending dreams. But by sending a storm and 146 00:11:03,940 –> 00:11:08,479 These sailors are aware that there is a divine being but they have no idea who he is 147 00:11:08,500 –> 00:11:12,320 or what he has said and what are we to do about the storm and 148 00:11:13,380 –> 00:11:17,140 God’s man is on the boat. Just like Joseph God’s man was in the prison 149 00:11:17,979 –> 00:11:22,080 Problem with the Jonah story. Of course. Is that God’s man’s asleep. Why is he asleep because? 150 00:11:22,119 –> 00:11:25,619 What he’s doing is he’s pursuing his own rebellion against God 151 00:11:26,320 –> 00:11:30,119 He’s drugged his own conscience by the pursuit of his own sin 152 00:11:30,140 –> 00:11:32,080 even while he’s God’s man 153 00:11:32,099 –> 00:11:33,460 And he knows he’s got man 154 00:11:33,619 –> 00:11:40,659 But he’s no use to these people, at least not until God forces his sin out into the open and he has to make a confession 155 00:11:41,080 –> 00:11:42,719 Then he goes and 156 00:11:42,719 –> 00:11:49,679 Marvelously is used by God for the salvation of many people in Nineveh who did not know who God was, what he had said 157 00:11:50,419 –> 00:11:52,419 Then what happens after that? 158 00:11:52,619 –> 00:11:54,539 Goes outside the city 159 00:11:54,539 –> 00:12:00,419 Sits under a plant that grows and then the plant withers. And what happens? He becomes consumed with his own pain 160 00:12:01,479 –> 00:12:04,979 And now he’s out of the place of usefulness again 161 00:12:05,340 –> 00:12:07,739 See how easily that can happen to us 162 00:12:08,219 –> 00:12:10,760 God’s man, God’s woman 163 00:12:12,140 –> 00:12:17,059 Surrounded by people who really don’t know who God is and don’t know what he has said 164 00:12:17,940 –> 00:12:25,380 But silenced, not useful in ministry like Joseph. Why? because like Jonah you’re pursuing your own rebellion against God 165 00:12:25,380 –> 00:12:27,380 you’re pursuing your own fight against God 166 00:12:28,059 –> 00:12:33,979 Or else like Jonah later in the story, you’re consumed with your own pain and the suffering of your own life 167 00:12:34,859 –> 00:12:38,419 And the marvelous thing about the story of Joseph is 168 00:12:39,039 –> 00:12:42,140 Is that he is suffering he’s in the prison 169 00:12:42,140 –> 00:12:47,299 There’s every reason at a natural level why this man would be bitter because of lies and because of the 170 00:12:47,539 –> 00:12:51,619 Hatred of his brothers and everything that’s happened in his life, but he’s not like that 171 00:12:52,640 –> 00:12:57,020 He’s saving while he is suffering 172 00:12:57,880 –> 00:13:01,299 And he’s the most marvelous model an example of that 173 00:13:01,359 –> 00:13:06,239 Marvelous model an example of that how God can use you in the hard 174 00:13:06,859 –> 00:13:08,380 situations of your life 175 00:13:08,380 –> 00:13:14,200 Where he places you for whatever reason even through an injustice even through a great loss 176 00:13:14,200 –> 00:13:17,140 He’s put you in a position where you are surrounded 177 00:13:17,979 –> 00:13:21,179 by people who have a sense that there is a God 178 00:13:22,059 –> 00:13:29,559 But they do not know who he is and they do not know what he has said 179 00:13:30,059 –> 00:13:34,960 So let’s take this example of from the life of Joseph and have our eyes open 180 00:13:35,359 –> 00:13:41,739 Be ready to ask be ready to offer with the confidence that you can speak the word of God into the life of a person 181 00:13:42,320 –> 00:13:47,320 When you open the scriptures and bring to them the word that God has trusted 182 00:13:47,859 –> 00:13:49,359 to his people 183 00:13:49,359 –> 00:13:51,359 That’s the first thing. Here’s the second 184 00:13:51,500 –> 00:13:59,000 I want us to focus in a little more on the people that Joseph served these two men the cupbearer and 185 00:13:59,679 –> 00:14:03,280 The Baker let’s start with the cupbearer verses 9 to 13 186 00:14:04,820 –> 00:14:08,919 So the chief cupbearer told his dream to Joseph and 187 00:14:09,619 –> 00:14:14,140 said to him in my dream there was a vine before me and 188 00:14:14,940 –> 00:14:16,799 on the vine 189 00:14:16,799 –> 00:14:18,799 There were three branches 190 00:14:19,760 –> 00:14:21,760 Now there’s nothing 191 00:14:22,280 –> 00:14:24,280 surprising about the fact 192 00:14:24,479 –> 00:14:31,940 That a man who had spent his career as the cup bearer to the King and had become the chief cup bearer to the King 193 00:14:32,460 –> 00:14:35,500 That when he has a dream after a life in that career 194 00:14:36,080 –> 00:14:40,200 his dream would have cups and grapes and wine and 195 00:14:41,020 –> 00:14:44,320 Presenting a cup to the king that was the stuff of his life 196 00:14:44,320 –> 00:14:50,159 And it’s not surprising when a person dreams about the stuff of their own life 197 00:14:50,200 –> 00:14:52,919 nothing surprising about that and 198 00:14:53,280 –> 00:14:56,719 And as you look at the particular dream that he had 199 00:14:57,419 –> 00:15:01,599 He says verse 10 as soon as it budded that’s the vine 200 00:15:02,119 –> 00:15:07,260 Its blossoms shot forth and the clusters ripened into grapes 201 00:15:08,200 –> 00:15:11,500 So what’s happening here. It’s rather like a high-speed film 202 00:15:11,500 –> 00:15:15,359 You know where something that happens over several weeks or months is 203 00:15:15,880 –> 00:15:18,400 Speeded up and you see it happening instantly 204 00:15:18,659 –> 00:15:23,320 So in the dream, it’s like there’s these little buds and they become blossoms and then they become 205 00:15:23,840 –> 00:15:28,080 clusters and then they’re ripened and then the next thing the grapes are being pressed into the 206 00:15:28,179 –> 00:15:34,539 Cup, and then the next thing the cup is being handed to the king and it’s all happening this process that would take months 207 00:15:35,359 –> 00:15:42,020 It’s all happening very very quickly high-speed in the dream in verse 11 208 00:15:42,880 –> 00:15:46,479 Pharaoh’s cup he says was in my hand and 209 00:15:47,200 –> 00:15:49,559 I took the grapes and 210 00:15:50,219 –> 00:15:55,340 Pressed them into Pharaoh’s Cup and placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand 211 00:15:56,320 –> 00:16:00,539 now he is dreaming then about what he used to do and 212 00:16:01,659 –> 00:16:06,200 In the dream he sees himself doing it again 213 00:16:07,359 –> 00:16:09,359 the cup bearers dream therefore 214 00:16:10,000 –> 00:16:12,000 represented his highest hopes 215 00:16:12,359 –> 00:16:18,739 that there would be a kind of fast-forward from this dreadful position that he was in in the prison and 216 00:16:18,840 –> 00:16:22,260 That in some way he would be restored to the King’s service 217 00:16:22,840 –> 00:16:25,700 That he would have the opportunity of doing again 218 00:16:25,919 –> 00:16:33,039 What he had had the privilege of doing before his highest hopes you don’t need any special gift of interpretation to see that 219 00:16:33,039 –> 00:16:39,840 It’s just obvious from the very nature of the dream that the cup-bearer dreamt on that night 220 00:16:40,700 –> 00:16:43,799 But what Joseph told to the cup-bearer 221 00:16:44,460 –> 00:16:48,400 Was something that could only have been revealed by God 222 00:16:49,280 –> 00:16:51,419 Notice what it was verse 12 223 00:16:52,119 –> 00:16:54,119 then Joseph said 224 00:16:54,719 –> 00:16:57,260 This is its interpretation 225 00:16:58,599 –> 00:17:02,419 The Three Branches are three days in 226 00:17:03,359 –> 00:17:05,359 Three days 227 00:17:05,880 –> 00:17:08,579 Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you 228 00:17:09,319 –> 00:17:11,099 to your office 229 00:17:11,099 –> 00:17:17,060 Now if you’re going to make a prediction that’s on a three day time scale. You better be sure it’s the Word of God 230 00:17:17,979 –> 00:17:20,800 because in three days either Joseph is going to be 231 00:17:21,160 –> 00:17:27,619 Exposed as a fake or he’s going to be affirmed truly as a prophet of God and of course that he was 232 00:17:28,339 –> 00:17:29,300 and 233 00:17:29,300 –> 00:17:33,800 What he spoke here could only have come to him by direct revelation from God 234 00:17:34,199 –> 00:17:39,420 he speaks it and then in three days sure enough the Word of God comes to pass and 235 00:17:39,719 –> 00:17:43,739 So what happens here is that the cup bearers highest hope 236 00:17:44,739 –> 00:17:46,880 The very best thing that he could have wished for 237 00:17:47,719 –> 00:17:48,839 comes 238 00:17:48,839 –> 00:17:50,660 to pass 239 00:17:50,660 –> 00:17:52,660 He is pardoned 240 00:17:52,780 –> 00:17:54,780 He is released 241 00:17:54,939 –> 00:18:00,199 He is wonderfully restored to the service of the king 242 00:18:01,699 –> 00:18:03,699 Now that’s the cup bearer 243 00:18:03,780 –> 00:18:05,780 Then we come to the Baker 244 00:18:06,339 –> 00:18:13,859 Now it’s interesting that the Baker had held back when Joseph had offered to interpret dreams, and it’s not difficult to see why 245 00:18:15,040 –> 00:18:17,599 because while the cup bearers dream 246 00:18:18,339 –> 00:18:22,800 Represented his very highest hopes that he might be able again to do what he had done before 247 00:18:23,520 –> 00:18:26,319 The Baker’s dream went in a rather different direction 248 00:18:27,459 –> 00:18:30,699 But we’re told in verse 16 that when the Baker saw 249 00:18:31,579 –> 00:18:37,479 That the interpretation given to the cup bearer was a favourable one well now he he came forward 250 00:18:37,479 –> 00:18:43,780 Maybe there’s some good news for me as well from this man, Joseph, and so he says I also had a dream 251 00:18:44,780 –> 00:18:50,560 Now again, it’s not surprising since he was the cheap chief baker. He had spent his entire career in the King’s 252 00:18:51,380 –> 00:18:52,439 kitchen 253 00:18:52,439 –> 00:18:57,699 His dream was about bread and cakes being carried in baskets 254 00:18:58,119 –> 00:19:02,680 Again, he was dreaming about his own work about his own life’s work 255 00:19:02,800 –> 00:19:06,400 what was familiar to him and he says I 256 00:19:06,780 –> 00:19:08,780 also had a dream 257 00:19:09,119 –> 00:19:13,699 There were three cake baskets on my head 258 00:19:14,260 –> 00:19:19,699 You can picture this then is these three layers of baskets one on top of the other and here’s the baker 259 00:19:19,819 –> 00:19:24,260 And he’s seeing himself as he’d done so often before carrying these baked goods 260 00:19:24,880 –> 00:19:26,880 into the presence of Pharaoh 261 00:19:27,400 –> 00:19:28,859 except 262 00:19:28,859 –> 00:19:33,959 That in history, he does not see himself presenting these baked goods to the king 263 00:19:34,660 –> 00:19:41,420 He says in the uppermost basket verse 17. There were all sorts of baked food for Pharaoh 264 00:19:41,939 –> 00:19:43,500 but 265 00:19:43,500 –> 00:19:49,579 The birds were eating it out of the basket on my head 266 00:19:50,479 –> 00:19:51,939 so 267 00:19:51,939 –> 00:19:53,439 clearly the 268 00:19:53,439 –> 00:19:55,439 baker’s dream 269 00:19:55,680 –> 00:19:57,680 Represents his deepest fears 270 00:19:58,599 –> 00:20:03,219 That the job that had been taken from him would would never be given back 271 00:20:04,479 –> 00:20:07,900 That all of his work would become food for birds 272 00:20:09,400 –> 00:20:14,160 Again you don’t need any special gift of interpretation. There’s nothing prophetic about that 273 00:20:14,280 –> 00:20:20,280 It’s just this is the nature of the dream and it’s not an appealing picture that had been 274 00:20:20,680 –> 00:20:22,680 pressed into the mind of 275 00:20:23,160 –> 00:20:25,000 the Baker 276 00:20:25,000 –> 00:20:30,959 But again, while all of that is just very obvious on the surface of of the story for anyone who’s who’s reading it 277 00:20:31,219 –> 00:20:38,260 What Joseph said to the Baker could only have come by a direct revelation of God. And here’s what he says verse 278 00:20:38,400 –> 00:20:39,619 18 279 00:20:39,619 –> 00:20:41,619 Joseph answered and said 280 00:20:41,680 –> 00:20:43,680 This is the interpretation 281 00:20:44,099 –> 00:20:47,160 the three baskets are three days and 282 00:20:47,979 –> 00:20:51,380 in three days Pharaoh will lift up your head from you and 283 00:20:51,959 –> 00:20:56,859 Hang you on a tree and the birds will eat the flesh 284 00:20:58,140 –> 00:21:00,140 from you 285 00:21:00,880 –> 00:21:05,640 Now what is the significance of these two dreams and of their interpretation 286 00:21:08,640 –> 00:21:10,640 Let me put it to you this way 287 00:21:11,640 –> 00:21:13,939 What we have here in the prison is 288 00:21:14,939 –> 00:21:16,619 really a 289 00:21:16,619 –> 00:21:18,920 microcosm of the whole of humanity 290 00:21:20,380 –> 00:21:26,020 There are two men and in a very profound sense they represent all of us 291 00:21:27,380 –> 00:21:29,439 One of them is going to be pardoned 292 00:21:30,040 –> 00:21:32,040 One of them is going to be punished 293 00:21:32,719 –> 00:21:35,780 One of them is about to see his greatest. Hope fulfilled 294 00:21:36,439 –> 00:21:40,160 The other one is about to see his deepest fear realize 295 00:21:41,079 –> 00:21:43,079 two men and 296 00:21:43,079 –> 00:21:48,979 As these three days slip on one of them is full of anticipation and excitement hoping for the best 297 00:21:49,920 –> 00:21:56,579 The other one dreading the passing of the hours because he is fearing the worst that he knows lies ahead 298 00:21:57,280 –> 00:22:04,020 Once looking forward to life with all of its possibilities. The other one is preparing for death for one 299 00:22:04,020 –> 00:22:12,160 it’s like a new days just dawning for another it’s like the Sun is setting and time is just slipping away like sand through 300 00:22:12,380 –> 00:22:14,219 his fingers 301 00:22:14,219 –> 00:22:16,520 There’s the whole of humanity there 302 00:22:17,060 –> 00:22:23,780 There’s the whole of human experience that’s wrapped up in the situations of these two men 303 00:22:24,420 –> 00:22:25,859 and 304 00:22:25,859 –> 00:22:28,619 between these two men there is another man a 305 00:22:29,060 –> 00:22:35,300 Man who is completely innocent a man who speaks the Word of God? 306 00:22:36,900 –> 00:22:39,300 Now you look at that picture and 307 00:22:40,060 –> 00:22:46,420 your mind if you know the Bible goes to another picture to which this points the 308 00:22:47,520 –> 00:22:54,560 Image of another man who has done. Nothing wrong, and he also is in the company of two 309 00:22:55,359 –> 00:22:56,520 criminals 310 00:22:56,540 –> 00:23:01,640 Only they’re not on a prison each of these three. They’re on a cross and 311 00:23:02,359 –> 00:23:04,920 These men who are on either side of the man 312 00:23:04,920 –> 00:23:09,560 Who’s done nothing wrong they don’t have three days to live it’s more like three hours for them 313 00:23:09,560 –> 00:23:12,920 Just a few hours and both of them are very angry 314 00:23:14,699 –> 00:23:19,319 But then there is a strange stillness that comes over one of them 315 00:23:19,839 –> 00:23:21,839 His life is coming to an end 316 00:23:22,459 –> 00:23:29,339 He knows he’s going to go out into the presence of a God he doesn’t know and doesn’t know really what he said 317 00:23:30,479 –> 00:23:32,479 He hasn’t planned for this 318 00:23:32,959 –> 00:23:34,959 He hasn’t prepared for it either 319 00:23:35,739 –> 00:23:38,380 He shouts over to his colleague. Don’t you fear God? 320 00:23:40,800 –> 00:23:45,920 We are being punished. Justly he says because we are getting what our deeds deserve 321 00:23:47,040 –> 00:23:50,699 But this man referring to Jesus he says has done nothing wrong 322 00:23:52,439 –> 00:23:57,439 And then you remember that he looked to Jesus and he said Jesus 323 00:24:00,079 –> 00:24:02,079 Remember me 324 00:24:02,359 –> 00:24:04,500 When you come into your kingdom 325 00:24:06,760 –> 00:24:10,959 Remember me when you come into your kingdom 326 00:24:13,060 –> 00:24:15,060 Where did he get that line from 327 00:24:15,420 –> 00:24:17,339 Have 328 00:24:17,339 –> 00:24:22,900 You ever noticed that that line is right here in the story of Joseph? It’s in verse 14 329 00:24:24,780 –> 00:24:31,420 Joseph says to the cupbearer remember me when it is well with you 330 00:24:33,540 –> 00:24:35,219 You’re going to go 331 00:24:35,219 –> 00:24:40,619 Beyond this place of punishment and you’re going to be at the right hand of the king 332 00:24:40,619 –> 00:24:42,619 You’re going to have the ear of the king 333 00:24:43,300 –> 00:24:45,300 When you get there 334 00:24:46,660 –> 00:24:48,660 Will you remember me 335 00:24:50,140 –> 00:24:51,380 And 336 00:24:51,380 –> 00:24:55,079 Here’s what has pressed itself into my mind. I’ve never thought about it before 337 00:24:56,380 –> 00:25:00,280 But the thief on the cross for sure knew this story 338 00:25:00,280 –> 00:25:04,479 Well as a Jewish boy any Jewish boy growing up schooled in the Old Testament 339 00:25:04,859 –> 00:25:08,640 Scriptures and the story of Joseph perhaps the best-known of all in the Old Testament 340 00:25:09,319 –> 00:25:13,119 And he would have learned this for sure at his mother’s knee 341 00:25:13,140 –> 00:25:15,800 He would have known not only about Joseph 342 00:25:15,800 –> 00:25:19,800 but about the cut bearer who and his remarkable journey from the 343 00:25:20,060 –> 00:25:25,459 prison the place of punishment right to the presence of the king standing by him and having the ear of 344 00:25:25,660 –> 00:25:28,239 the king and here’s the thief and 345 00:25:29,160 –> 00:25:36,500 He now is facing his own worst fears and he finds himself a few feet away from Jesus and 346 00:25:37,380 –> 00:25:40,219 He discerns that Jesus is 347 00:25:40,859 –> 00:25:42,859 the king and 348 00:25:43,219 –> 00:25:50,180 He takes a line right out of the story of Joseph and he says Jesus will you remember me? 349 00:25:50,699 –> 00:25:53,199 When you come into your kingdom 350 00:25:56,180 –> 00:26:00,199 Now there are three contrasts between these two stories 351 00:26:00,979 –> 00:26:02,979 That obviously are linked 352 00:26:03,239 –> 00:26:08,660 Joseph between the cup bearer and the baker and in earthly terms 353 00:26:08,660 –> 00:26:11,260 One of their lives is saved and one of them is lost 354 00:26:11,839 –> 00:26:12,839 Jesus 355 00:26:12,839 –> 00:26:20,300 Between the two thieves and one of them is saved and one of them is lost the connections between these stories 356 00:26:21,079 –> 00:26:22,479 remarkable 357 00:26:22,479 –> 00:26:23,959 wonderful 358 00:26:23,959 –> 00:26:29,060 But there are three contrasts that I want you to notice all of which together 359 00:26:29,979 –> 00:26:35,380 Shine a floodlight on the unique glory of our Lord Jesus Christ 360 00:26:35,800 –> 00:26:39,439 now when to to see these the first is the difference between 361 00:26:39,939 –> 00:26:47,520 Joseph and the thief and that difference is simply this that joseph was innocent when he said remember me 362 00:26:48,020 –> 00:26:53,699 But the thief when he said remember me was guilty. That’s a very important difference 363 00:26:54,680 –> 00:26:56,680 Joseph was innocent and 364 00:26:57,199 –> 00:27:01,880 And the basis of the appeal that he wanted the cup bearer to make to the king 365 00:27:02,619 –> 00:27:04,619 Was a basis of justice 366 00:27:05,099 –> 00:27:08,300 He is saying now look when you get into the presence of the king 367 00:27:09,020 –> 00:27:11,020 Could you! remember me 368 00:27:11,199 –> 00:27:17,939 Could you tell the king that there is a great injustice that has happened in his prison in his kingdom 369 00:27:17,939 –> 00:27:19,680 This has taken place 370 00:27:19,680 –> 00:27:26,000 And it isn’t right and could you appeal to him on the basis of justice that I should be delivered from this place 371 00:27:26,000 –> 00:27:28,680 That’s the basis of Joseph’s appeal 372 00:27:29,959 –> 00:27:35,920 But the thief knows for sure that he can’t make any appeal to Jesus to remember him on the basis of justice 373 00:27:36,880 –> 00:27:41,520 He’s just said to his colleague. We’re being punished Justly punished Justly 374 00:27:41,520 –> 00:27:48,520 We’re getting what our deeds deserve so on what basis can he ask Jesus Christ to remember him only this 375 00:27:49,400 –> 00:27:53,219 he appeals to Jesus on the basis of 376 00:27:53,900 –> 00:27:58,099 Mercy and compassion alone, and that’s our position 377 00:27:58,900 –> 00:28:04,819 There may be injustices that happen in your life and my life there will be in this world we looked at that last time 378 00:28:05,859 –> 00:28:10,880 But at the end of the day none of us can make an appeal to God on the basis of justice 379 00:28:10,880 –> 00:28:13,660 We can’t stand before him on that kind of basis 380 00:28:15,040 –> 00:28:16,459 There is no one righteous 381 00:28:16,459 –> 00:28:17,020 No 382 00:28:17,079 –> 00:28:24,319 Not even one the scriptures say and so our appeal like the thief to Jesus Christ has to be on the basis of mercy 383 00:28:25,459 –> 00:28:28,579 Mercy alone Lord Jesus have mercy 384 00:28:29,479 –> 00:28:31,380 upon me 385 00:28:31,380 –> 00:28:33,300 second difference 386 00:28:33,300 –> 00:28:36,540 notice the difference between the cupbearer and 387 00:28:37,540 –> 00:28:43,280 Jesus the two to whom appeal was made in these stories, and here’s the difference 388 00:28:44,300 –> 00:28:46,300 the cupbearer forgot 389 00:28:47,459 –> 00:28:48,640 Jesus 390 00:28:48,640 –> 00:28:55,119 remembered you see the cup bearer’s story at the end of the chapter that the king restored the cup bearer to his position 391 00:28:55,619 –> 00:29:01,660 but verse 23 yet the chief cup bearer did not remember Joseph 392 00:29:03,339 –> 00:29:05,339 But forgot him 393 00:29:06,400 –> 00:29:11,500 So Joseph needed a better Savior than the cupbearer what you says a savior who’s gonna forget you 394 00:29:11,939 –> 00:29:16,079 What use is someone who’s at the right hand of the king and can’t remember your name? 395 00:29:17,599 –> 00:29:19,599 and the thief 396 00:29:20,160 –> 00:29:22,160 Says to Jesus 397 00:29:22,599 –> 00:29:24,599 Will you remember me? 398 00:29:26,300 –> 00:29:29,380 Please don’t be like the cup bearer 399 00:29:30,719 –> 00:29:36,839 Because if you’re like the cup bearer and you forget me I will languish in hell forever 400 00:29:38,660 –> 00:29:40,660 Please remember me 401 00:29:41,760 –> 00:29:43,900 When you come into your kingdom 402 00:29:44,579 –> 00:29:46,099 And 403 00:29:46,099 –> 00:29:51,900 Jesus says to him I tell you the truth today. You will be with me in paradise 404 00:29:51,900 –> 00:29:53,900 There is a Savior you can trust a 405 00:29:54,520 –> 00:29:58,119 Savior who will never forget you a Savior who showers mercy 406 00:29:58,459 –> 00:30:02,560 In relation to all our sins and a Savior who never forgets 407 00:30:02,560 –> 00:30:06,859 But always remembers those who put their trust in him 408 00:30:07,660 –> 00:30:09,420 So do you see this amazing? 409 00:30:09,459 –> 00:30:16,140 Contrast because it shines a light on the unique glory of our Lord Jesus Christ the only one we can trust to be the Savior 410 00:30:16,739 –> 00:30:21,420 Joseph says remember me to a cup bearer and the cup bearer forgets him 411 00:30:21,680 –> 00:30:27,619 But the thief says remember me to Jesus and Jesus remembers him and saves him 412 00:30:28,300 –> 00:30:31,459 Now struck by this Joseph who was innocent 413 00:30:32,459 –> 00:30:38,020 Appealed to the one who held the cup and 414 00:30:39,319 –> 00:30:42,380 Nothing, good came of it. He was forgotten 415 00:30:43,319 –> 00:30:47,520 but the thief who was guilty appealed to the one who 416 00:30:48,119 –> 00:30:53,599 drank the cup that’s the language that Jesus used and thereby became the Savior and 417 00:30:54,640 –> 00:31:00,859 In the mercy of God and in the goodness of Jesus Christ. He is remembered and he is 418 00:31:02,000 –> 00:31:03,599 saved 419 00:31:03,599 –> 00:31:09,760 Amazing, and here’s the last contrast and it’s a very wonderful one and a very important one the difference between 420 00:31:10,459 –> 00:31:12,319 Joseph and 421 00:31:12,319 –> 00:31:13,880 Jesus and 422 00:31:13,880 –> 00:31:16,000 The difference here is that Joseph 423 00:31:16,619 –> 00:31:18,500 announced the future but 424 00:31:18,500 –> 00:31:19,520 Jesus 425 00:31:19,520 –> 00:31:21,520 changes the future 426 00:31:21,640 –> 00:31:26,439 The Joseph was a prophet and here’s what a prophet does a prophet is able to announce 427 00:31:26,920 –> 00:31:30,959 Future events in three days. This is going to happen and it’s a good thing for you. Mr 428 00:31:31,599 –> 00:31:34,680 Cupbearer it’s not a good thing for you, Mr 429 00:31:35,380 –> 00:31:42,079 Baker one. He says you’re going to be pardoned the other one. He says you’re going to be punished. He announces the future 430 00:31:42,079 –> 00:31:44,079 That’s what a prophet does 431 00:31:44,760 –> 00:31:47,760 But Jesus is more than a prophet 432 00:31:48,959 –> 00:31:52,219 Jesus is savior the Savior and 433 00:31:53,239 –> 00:31:58,119 Saior is a different category from Prophet and it’s much more and it’s much better than 434 00:31:58,920 –> 00:32:00,640 Prophet 435 00:32:00,640 –> 00:32:03,520 Friends, this is of huge importance 436 00:32:04,859 –> 00:32:09,199 Especially with regards to all of our conversations with 437 00:32:10,099 –> 00:32:11,939 Muslim friends 438 00:32:11,939 –> 00:32:15,140 Any conversation you have with the person from an Islamic background 439 00:32:15,140 –> 00:32:20,959 You’ve got to be able to explain to that person the difference between a prophet and a Savior 440 00:32:22,040 –> 00:32:24,040 Because Islam is all about a prophet 441 00:32:25,500 –> 00:32:27,500 Christianity is all about a savior 442 00:32:27,540 –> 00:32:33,020 So let me put that difference as simply and as clearly as I possibly can for you 443 00:32:33,020 –> 00:32:35,780 A prophet tells you what is 444 00:32:37,359 –> 00:32:39,579 A Savior changes what is 445 00:32:40,060 –> 00:32:43,260 There’s all the difference in the world put yourself in the shoes of the baker 446 00:32:44,099 –> 00:32:47,579 The prophet tells him what is three days you’re gonna die 447 00:32:49,459 –> 00:32:51,459 Well, where does that leave him 448 00:32:51,819 –> 00:32:57,300 He doesn’t need a prophet. He needs us Savior. He needs someone who can change what’s gonna happen in three days 449 00:32:57,500 –> 00:33:04,280 And a prophet can’t do that, but a savior can and this is why Jesus Christ came into the world 450 00:33:05,699 –> 00:33:10,619 Jesus Christ can take a man or a woman in the place of the baker 451 00:33:11,400 –> 00:33:13,400 That is someone who is guilty 452 00:33:14,219 –> 00:33:16,099 Someone who is condemned 453 00:33:16,099 –> 00:33:20,239 someone who is without God someone who is without hope in this world and 454 00:33:20,479 –> 00:33:25,719 Jesus Christ because he’s a savior can put that person in the place of the cup bearer 455 00:33:25,760 –> 00:33:28,380 what is that a person who is forgiven a 456 00:33:28,900 –> 00:33:34,260 Person who is restored to the service of the King a person who is rescued a person who is released? 457 00:33:34,599 –> 00:33:41,020 A person who is lifted up and exalted to the highest place. That’s what Jesus Christ can do. A prophet can’t do that 458 00:33:43,359 –> 00:33:46,079 Savior can and this is why he came into the world 459 00:33:46,939 –> 00:33:48,939 This is why he went to the cross 460 00:33:49,579 –> 00:33:51,979 not simply to tell us how things are 461 00:33:52,939 –> 00:33:54,939 That doesn’t change anything 462 00:33:55,160 –> 00:34:00,160 Not simply to come into the world and say well all of you need to understand. You’re all going to reap what you sow 463 00:34:00,339 –> 00:34:02,119 What help is that? 464 00:34:02,119 –> 00:34:07,219 We need someone who can change the future. So it’s different from the sins that we have sown 465 00:34:07,959 –> 00:34:11,659 and this is why a Savior comes into the world and this is why a 466 00:34:12,060 –> 00:34:14,120 Savior is so much more than a prophet 467 00:34:14,120 –> 00:34:19,500 Jesus came to stand in the place of sinners 468 00:34:20,320 –> 00:34:22,320 who like the baker 469 00:34:22,580 –> 00:34:26,840 were destined for the gallows of the king’s justice and 470 00:34:27,679 –> 00:34:31,080 He came to bring us into the position of the cupbearer 471 00:34:32,939 –> 00:34:37,840 Into the blessing and freedom and pardon of being restored to the king’s 472 00:34:38,699 –> 00:34:40,080 service and 473 00:34:40,080 –> 00:34:44,780 Because jesus is the savior more than a prophet more than simply one who speaks the truth 474 00:34:46,239 –> 00:34:50,439 He is able to do that for every person who will come to him in 475 00:34:51,360 –> 00:34:55,679 Repentance and in faith at any time of life and especially today 476 00:34:55,679 –> 00:35:00,340 And he’s able to bring the best hope into the place of the worst fear 477 00:35:01,199 –> 00:35:05,959 he’s full of mercy towards sinners who know that we are guilty and 478 00:35:06,719 –> 00:35:11,080 If you trust yourself to him, he will never forget you 479 00:35:11,600 –> 00:35:15,679 It will not be like the cup bearer who got preoccupied with other things 480 00:35:17,100 –> 00:35:18,719 your name 481 00:35:18,719 –> 00:35:21,879 When you trust yourself to him is as if it were 482 00:35:22,060 –> 00:35:25,280 Printed in the nail prints of his hands he can never forget 483 00:35:25,659 –> 00:35:27,540 those who are his own 484 00:35:27,540 –> 00:35:31,760 Because he died to make you his own and he will walk with you through your greatest 485 00:35:32,060 –> 00:35:38,060 Fears. He walked with you as he did with Joseph through the worst and the hardest things of your life and 486 00:35:39,020 –> 00:35:43,820 he will in his time bring you into an eternal future that is greater than 487 00:35:44,780 –> 00:35:46,500 Anything you have ever 488 00:35:46,500 –> 00:35:48,500 Dared to dream 489 00:35:49,500 –> 00:35:56,560 Aren’t you thankful that we have more than a prophet we have a Savior and his name is Jesus father 490 00:35:58,820 –> 00:36:01,600 We bless you for these Savior 491 00:36:02,699 –> 00:36:05,159 Your son Jesus Christ 492 00:36:06,939 –> 00:36:12,360 For the one who is able not only to announce a future but to change a future 493 00:36:13,639 –> 00:36:19,580 By the redeeming power of his blood shed on the Cross and his mighty resurrection 494 00:36:20,120 –> 00:36:22,080 for all of his people 495 00:36:22,080 –> 00:36:25,399 Lord help us we pray to go out into a world where so many 496 00:36:26,000 –> 00:36:31,320 Have a sense that there is a God, but do not know who you are, and do not know what you have said 497 00:36:32,080 –> 00:36:34,379 and with compassion and with forthrightness 498 00:36:35,000 –> 00:36:38,979 To be able to speak your word in a way that will commend the Lord Jesus 499 00:36:39,520 –> 00:36:42,760 For these things, we ask in the Savior’s name and everyone said 500 00:36:43,419 –> 00:36:45,419 Amen