Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams. – Genesis 37:20
A Christ-like character has always been the best character. When literature critics read a story, when a morally upright person in the story suffers and dies for others, they are called a Christ-like figure. In a historical sense, Joseph, the son of Jacob, was such a person. After telling them his dreams and finding them neglecting their duties, he was betrayed by his brothers. While he was eventually sold into slavery in Egypt, many of his brothers originally wanted to kill him.
When Jesus Christ came and shared the Truth and the dream of a better way of life for His people, they betrayed him. “He came unto his own, and his own received him not” (John 1:11). Those moved to believe and receive Jesus in all ways were exceptional. Even the Apostles ran away when Christ was taken to be tried and crucified. Jesus knew the danger of coming to Jerusalem. Indeed he went to face the wolves in sheep’s clothing, and they “by wicked hands” crucified Him. Thus they unwittingly fulfilled the prophecy of the slaying of the Messiah (Psalm 22:1-31). Only the Redeemer, the Holy One, the very Son of God could stand in the face of such adversaries and triumph.
Praise the Lord that though we may suffer, though we may experience trials and temptations, though we may abandon Him, Christ the Lord is true. He is good. He alone is Savior. We may try to throw him in a pit, but still He will prevail and save us from ourselves. May the dream of the Kingdom of God become a reality for us all. Amen.