Have you ever been misunderstood? Perhaps someone formed the wrong impression about your character or intentions. Maybe they misinterpreted your actions or words, taking offence where none was meant, or wrongly accusing you of something you didn’t do.

Misunderstandings can easily occur, and can be hurtful. We need to be humble enough to admit when we have misunderstood someone, and gracious enough to forgive when others have misunderstood us.

Over the next few weeks, our Bible readings centre on one of the most misunderstood characters in the Bible: Joseph. We hear about his amazing life in Genesis 37 – 50. His family wrongly accused him of being self-important, arrogant and chasing after power, when he had no control over his life’s circumstances or God’s plans for him.

Joseph’s brothers hated him so much that they even considered killing him, although they ended up selling him into slavery instead. Yet their mistreatment of him could not change his destiny, nor the Lord’s sovereign help and protection. Although Joseph had to face many troubles before things began to turn around again, he was never alone.

His story points forward to another Person who has been misunderstood by many: the Lord Jesus Christ. During His earthly life, Jesus was rejected by His own people, the very ones who should have embraced Him as their King. They hurled unwarranted insults and unfounded accusations at Him, and eventually handed Him over to suffering and death. But God the Father did not abandon His Son to the grave. He rose again, proving His power to save us from sin and death, and one day will return as King and Judge.

Even today, some people continue to misunderstand Jesus – rejecting His claims to be God and the only way of eternal salvation, or denying His sacrifice for sins upon the cross. Yet just like Joseph, Christ will be vindicated – the truth will one day be plain for all to see. Only may we believe it now, so that we can approach the coming Day with joy, rather than fear.