The Bones Of Joseph Memorial Day

The Bones of Joseph

Exodus 13:19

I. Introduction

A. Memorial Day: A Day for Remembering

1. Originally for remembering those who died in military service

2. Now we remember all loved ones

B. The Value of Remembering Loved Ones Who Have Died

1. The lessons learned from them

2. Often the faith they demonstrated in life refreshes our faith

C. Joseph’s Plan to Be Remembered

1. His bones were to be taken with the Israelites to Canaan

2. What the bones of Joseph say to us today

II. Body

A. The Bones of Joseph Speak of His Life and Death

1. Remembering at graves

a. Many will remember loved ones at graves

b. More than memorials: remembering personalities

2. Remembering Joseph

a. The son of Jacob who was hated by his brothers

b. Sold into slavery for twenty pieces of silver

c. Reckoned dead by his father: the blood of the lamb

d. Brought to Egypt and became a savior there

e. Revealed himself to his brothers and provided for them

f. They were to remember him on their way to Canaan

3. Joseph as an Old Testament type of Christ

a. Jesus was hated by men (John 1:10–12; 15:18)

b. Jesus was sold for thirty pieces of silver

c. Jesus saves and sustains us and promises good things ahead

d. Jesus died where He had revealed Himself as Savior

e. We are to remember Jesus on our way to heaven

B. The Bones of Joseph Speak of the Resurrection to Come

1. Joseph’s instruction was given in faith (Heb. 11:22)

a. Looks even beyond Canaan to the kingdom (Heb. 11:39–40)

b. He did not see death as the end for him

2. Joseph’s body was not to stay in that grave in Egypt

3. Our Lord’s body did not stay in the tomb

4. Remembering at graves should remind us of His resurrection

5. Since Christ arose, we shall rise also (1 Cor. 15:22–23)

C. The Bones of Joseph Speak of God’s Promise of a Better Land

1. “God will bring you out of this land” (Gen. 50:24)

2. Joseph’s casket reminded the Israelites of that promise

3. They were headed to a better land

4. Even in his grave, Joseph was on his way to the Promised Land

5. All through life, believers are on their way to heaven

III. Conclusion

A. Take the Long Look

B. Christ Conquered Death

C. Remember We’re on Our Journey Home

Campbell, R. F. (1988–). Preach for a year Kregel Publications.