Rejected and Betrayed – Genesis 50:20
Jul 7, 2026 570
Joseph was rejected and betrayed by those closest to him — yet God turned it all for good, raising him up to save many lives.
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good.” — Genesis 50:20 (NLT)
Rejected, Yet Raised Up
As we continue our journey through Scripture seeking to see Jesus Christ more clearly, we come to the remarkable story of Joseph. Few people in the Old Testament foreshadow Jesus as vividly as this beloved son who was rejected, betrayed and later exalted.
Joseph was deeply loved by his father, yet hated by his brothers. Sent by his father to seek the welfare of his brothers, Joseph was met with jealousy and hostility. His brothers first plotted to kill him, then threw him into a pit and sold him for pieces of silver. Carried away to Egypt, Joseph suffered false accusations and unjust imprisonment.
Yet God was with Joseph. After years of suffering and humiliation, Joseph was suddenly raised from the prison to the palace. Pharaoh placed him in a position of authority second only to himself. Through Joseph, God preserved life during a devastating famine and rescued many people from death — including the very brothers who had rejected him.
Joseph is a beautiful foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. Jesus, too, was the beloved Son who was sent by His Father to His own people, only to be rejected and betrayed for silver. Though innocent, He suffered unjustly. Yet through His suffering and death, God brought salvation to the world. Jesus was raised up and exalted to the highest place, and now offers forgiveness and eternal life even to those who once rejected Him.
Perhaps the most beautiful moment in Joseph’s story comes when he reveals himself to his fearful brothers not with revenge, but with mercy. Instead of giving them what they deserved, he embraced them, provided for them, and spoke words of comfort and peace. In the same way, Jesus does not greet repentant sinners with condemnation, but with grace. The One whom we have wounded stretches out His hands in forgiveness and welcomes us home.
The Good News is…
Joseph’s story reminds us that God can redeem even the darkest chapters of our lives. What others may intend for harm, God can transform for good. And the good news is that through Jesus, rejection, suffering and death never have the final word. Resurrection, reconciliation, and redemption belong to those who trust in Him.
Further reading: Genesis 37–50; Psalm 105:16–22; Acts 7:9–14; Philippians 2:5–11
Elenne Ford
Chair, Good News Unlimited