For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15
As you read about the faithfulness of Joseph, you may feel swamped by a sense of your own past failure. You need the grace of Jesus to bring you forgiveness and cleansing.
In Genesis 38, we read the sad story of Judah’s moral failure. He gave way to the desires of his heart and brought unimaginable sorrow to the people around him. You might be feeling, “I am more like Judah than Joseph.”
That’s why this story of Joseph is in the Bible. He points to Jesus for all of us who, in body or mind, have found ourselves to be sinners like Judah. Joseph stood where Judah had failed; and, Jesus stood where we have failed.
Jesus was tempted in every respect as you are, but He was without sin. A. W. Pink says the difference between Joseph and Jesus is that while Joseph wisely flees from the temptations of Satan, with Jesus, it is Satan who flees from Him (Matt. 4:11).
Then Jesus goes to the cross, where He bears the guilt and shame of our sins, of every kind, including sexual sins of the mind and of the body. He bore our sins in His body on the tree. He carried them into His death, and He buried them there for us.
Even more, He rose from the dead in the power of a new and endless life. Our living Savior holds out His arms and invites you to come to Him in faith and in repentance. He is ready to forgive you and He is able to help you. Jesus came to bring forgiveness for your past sins and power to face your future temptations. There is hope for every person in Him.
Do you believe that if you were to come to Jesus with your sin and shame, that He would gladly receive you and forgive you and cleanse you from all your sins?
