The Baker and the Butler Genesis 40

 

Genesis 40 – The Baker and The Butler

 

Joseph is now in prison and is placed over the other prisoners.  Two of them are the baker and the butler to the king.  These were not just a baker and a butler, but the chief baker and chief butler.  They were in the best positions with the most responsibility.  More was expected of them than others in the household.  We as Christians hold the best position in God’s kingdom and we have a great responsibility.  More is expected of us than those in the world.  We are responsible for bringing others to Christ and for setting a good example to those in the world. 

The Baker and the Butler offended the king.  It has not told us why there were in prison.  The most important thing is they were put under Joseph’s care. If we were put in prison, I am sure we would be sad, even sadder if we knew we offended God.  That was not the only reason they were sad.  They were sad because each of the men had a dream and did not understand the meaning of them.  Joseph told them (in today’s language) if you listen to God, He will reveal the meaning to you.  The fact that Joseph could interpret dreams meant that he understood his own dream.  In each of their dreams were three.  The Butler dreamed of three branches on the vine.  The Baker dreamed of three baskets.   Both threes represented three days.  The number three represents divine wholeness, completeness, and perfection.  In this chapter it represents completeness in fulfillment.  The dreams were fulfilled in three days.  One was restored to his position and the other was hanged.  Now joseph is forgotten in prison, but God has not forgotten him, and He is at work in Joseph’s life.

There is a reason That God gave us this story of Joseph.  He wants us to know that He cares and that He is moving in our life.  If you are His child, He is permitting things to happen to us for our own good.  How wonderful is our God!

 

Other threes in the Bible:

Trinity – Father, Son, Holy Spirit

Body, Spirit and Soul which represents our life.

Spirit, Water, and blood testify that they agree.  I John 5:7-9

There were three apostles that followed Christ to the Garden of Gethsemane.  Peter, James, and John.

There were three wise men bearing three gifts to baby Jesus.

Jesus was three days and three nights in the tomb.

Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the big fish.