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GENESIS 37: 23 - 28

"THE PITS"

I. JOSEPH'S EXPERIENCE.
        A. Sent by his father to check welfare of his brothers.
                1. His brothers were jealous and bitter.
                        a. Jealous because of long-sleeved coat and dream.
                        b. Bitter because he had reported their misdeeds to their father.
        B. His brothers seeing him coming decided to kill him.
                1. His oldest brother who wanted no part in the killing suggested an
                   alternative.
                2. Nearby was a pit, why not throw him in it?
        C. When Joseph arrived, they threw him in the pit intending to leave him there
           to starve to death.
                1. They sat down above the pit to eat lunch.
                2. They paid no attention to his pleas or tears.
        D. By now Joseph was aware they were serious.
                1. He must have looked around and said, "Man, I'm in the pits. There's no
                   way out."

Il. MANY TODAY FIND THEMSELVES IN THE PITS.
        A. Most of the time it is our own doing.
        B. There is a sense of hopelessness and despair.
                1. We've tried everything but there seems to be no way.
                2. Life seems to be a slow agonizing wait for death. 
                3. No one seems to really care.
        C. You look around and say, "Man, is this the pits and I am to die here."
        D. There is a way out of the pit.

Ill. JOSEPH OFTEN SEEN AS A TYPE OF CHRIST (CHOSEN BY FATHER AS HEIR).
        A. Rejected by his brothers.
        B. Sold for 20 & 30 pieces of silver.
        C. Honored and exalted by God among the gentiles.
        D. Being later the acknowledged leader by his brothers.
        E. His gracious and forgiving spirit toward them.

IV. ALL TYPES OR ANALOGIES BREAK DOWN.
        A. Beforehand Joseph not totally aware of brothers murderous desires.
                1. At the beginning Jesus told of His death.
        B. Joseph was cast into pit against his will.
                1. Jesus willingly left His exalted position in glory to come to this pit.
                        a. "Though He was rich yet for our sakes He was made poor.."
                        b. "And God made Him to be sin for us who knew no sin..."
        C. In Jesus we see a willing entering into the pits in order to lift out all who
           desire.
                1. David said, "He brought me out of the horrible pit, out of the quicksand,
                   and put my foot on the rock."