The story of Joseph is a two-fold demonstration of the Christian idea of an omniscient and omnipotent God with a master plan for the life of each human being and for the universe as a whole. Every circumstance in Joseph's life is turned around to lead to his ultimate position as an Egyptian ruler, which allows him to save his family. In addition to the predestined events that happen within Joseph's life, the story as a whole foreshadows God's plan for salvation through Jesus Christ. Joseph is a shadow who has remarkable similarities to Christ and the events of his life.
             Both Joseph and Jesus are unlikely candidates for their positions and are mocked when they tell people God's plan for their lives. Joseph is his father's second-youngest son, yet God chooses him as the savior of his older brothers and his father. When Joseph tells his family his visions that he will rule over them, they ridicule him. His brothers "hated him even more for his dreams, and for his words." While the Jews were expecting their Messiah to come as a rich and mighty king, Jesus comes as the son of a carpenter. His authority is questioned by people who are astonished at his miracles and asked, "Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter's son?" The fact that Joseph and Jesus achieve the things they do from the places they start suggests a master plan constructed and carried out by a powerful God.
             Both Joseph and Jesus are loved by their fathers. Joseph is given a special coat by his father because "Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age..." Jacob's favoritism toward Joseph causes the jealousy in his brothers that starts Joseph on his destined road. God, Jesus' father, declares his love for his son upon Christ's baptism, saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well please...