January 4, 2025: Parashah Torah Portion Vayigash - “And He Approached”
Message by: Elihana Elia - Restore Israel Ministry
Torah Portion: Genesis 44:18–47:27
Haftarah: Ezekiel 37:15–28
Brit Chadashah (New Covenant): John 14:8–21; Acts 7:9–16; Ephesians 2:1–10
Parashat Vayigash begins with Judah stepping forward (vayigash means “and he approached”) to plead for Benjamin’s release before Joseph. Judah offers himself as a substitute for Benjamin, showing true repentance and transformation from the brother who once sold Joseph into slavery.
Moved by Judah’s plea and his brothers’ remorse, Joseph reveals his identity, saying, “I am Joseph, your brother” (Genesis 45:4). This moment of reconciliation is emotional and redemptive, as Joseph forgives his brothers and assures them of God’s sovereign plan to preserve life through his trials. Joseph then brings Jacob (Israel) and his family to Egypt, where they settle in Goshen and flourish under his care.
Messianic Insights from the Torah Portion:
1. Judah as a Picture of the Messiah:
Judah’s willingness to lay down his life for Benjamin reflects the sacrificial love of Yeshua, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5). Just as Judah steps forward as a substitute, Yeshua willingly gave His life for us, taking on the punishment we deserved (John 15:13). This act of intercession demonstrates the heart of the Messiah as our Redeemer and Advocate.
2. Joseph as a Type of Messiah:
• Hidden and Revealed: Joseph’s brothers initially do not recognize him, much like Yeshua was not recognized as the Messiah by many of His own people (John 1:10–11). Just as Joseph eventually revealed himself to his brothers, so too will Yeshua reveal Himself to Israel at His second coming, fulfilling Zechariah 12:10: “They will look on Me whom they have pierced.”
• Reconciliation and Forgiveness: Joseph’s forgiveness of his brothers mirrors Yeshua’s forgiveness of humanity. Joseph saw God’s hand in his suffering, saying, “God sent me ahead of you to preserve life” Genesis 45:5. Yeshua’s suffering and death were part of God’s plan to bring eternal life to all who believe in Him (Romans 5:8).
3. The Reunion of Jacob and Joseph:
Jacob’s joyful reunion with Joseph in Egypt reflects the future reunion between Israel and the Messiah. When Yeshua returns, the Jewish people will recognize Him and be reconciled to Him, leading to a time of great joy and restoration.
Haftarah: Ezekiel 37:15–28
The Haftarah focuses on the prophecy of the two sticks, representing Judah and Ephraim (Israel), being united into one. This prophetic vision speaks of the reunification of the divided kingdoms of Israel under one king: “My servant David will be king over them” Ezekiel 37:24.
This prophecy finds its ultimate fulfillment in Yeshua, the Son of David, who will reign over a united Israel and the nations in the Messianic Age.
Messianic Connections:
1. Unity Through the Messiah: The two sticks becoming one symbolize the unity that Yeshua brings to both Israel and the nations. In Him, Jew and Gentile are reconciled into one body (Ephesians 2:14–16).
2. The Everlasting Covenant: Ezekiel’s prophecy points to the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31–34) established by Yeshua, where God’s law is written on the hearts of His people. This covenant ensures eternal peace, restoration, and God’s dwelling among His people (Ezekiel 37:27; John 1:14).
Brit Chadashah (New Covenant):
1. John 14:8–21:
Yeshua assures His disciples of His unity with the Father, saying, “Whoever has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). He promises the Holy Spirit, who will dwell in believers and guide them into all truth. Just as Joseph revealed himself to his brothers, Yeshua reveals the Father’s heart to His disciples and all who follow Him.
2. Acts 7:9–16:
In Stephen’s speech, he recounts the story of Joseph, highlighting how his brothers rejected him, yet he became their savior during the famine. This parallels Yeshua, who was rejected by His own people but became the Savior of the world.
3. Ephesians 2:1–10:
Paul speaks of reconciliation and grace, emphasizing that believers, both Jew and Gentile, are made alive in Messiah through God’s mercy. This unity reflects the spiritual restoration seen in both the story of Joseph and the prophecy of Ezekiel.
Conclusion:
Parashat Vayigash is a profound picture of redemption, reconciliation, and unity, all of which point to Yeshua, the Messiah. Joseph’s story foreshadows Yeshua’s role as the Savior who forgives and restores.
Judah’s willingness to sacrifice himself prefigures Yeshua’s ultimate sacrifice on the cross!
The Haftarah’s vision of unity under one King points to Yeshua’s future reign in the Messianic Age. Finally, the Brit Chadashah emphasizes the reconciliation, grace, and unity that are found in Yeshua alone. Through Vayigash, we see God’s sovereign plan to bring salvation, not just to Israel, but to all nations, through the Messiah.
Faith brings favor:
We don't always see things in the natural, the way that ADONAI sees things. Our natural perspective is very limited. We can only see the here and now in the present, with our physical eyes.
Sometimes, when we see the wicked prospering, we think it's the LORD'S favor upon them, but it could be a test that that person is going through, to determine the intentions of his heart.
Money can also be a test to see who really is "Lord" over our lives.
Not all material wealth is favor from the LORD.
This is why we need the fear of ADONAI operating in us, and a higher sensitivity to the RUACH HA'KODESH (Holy Spirit). This way the Holy Spirit can give us supernatural insight and understanding into a situation, shedding light on what's really happening underneath the surface, gaining ADONAI's perspective, and know clearly what He would have us do in that moment and in each new season/trial we're going through.
"Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” Whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left." Isaiah 30:21
The RUACH HA'KODESH is the key to learning the important lessons, and being able to move through spiritual warfare successfully, coming out victorious on the other side! Then our faith will be rewarded, just like Joseph's and so many others who humbled themselves and received the reward of the LORD!
Thematic Connections and Messianic Applications:
1. Reconciliation and Restoration:
The overarching theme of Vayigash is reconciliation—between Joseph and his brothers, and ultimately between God and His people. Through Yeshua, reconciliation is extended to all humanity, offering peace with God and with one another (2 Corinthians 5:18–19).
2. God’s Sovereignty:
Just as Joseph recognized God’s hand in his trials (Genesis 45:5), believers are reminded that God’s plans are always for good (Romans 8:28). Even in suffering, God’s purpose is to bring redemption and life.
3. Unity in Messiah:
The reunification of Judah and Israel in Ezekiel’s prophecy is a picture of the unity that Yeshua brings to both Israel and the nations. In Him, there is no division—He is the one King who unites all who believe (Galatians 3:28).
4. Messiah’s Role as Redeemer:
Judah’s intercession and Joseph’s forgiveness both foreshadow Yeshua’s work as our Redeemer and High Priest. He intercedes for us (Hebrews 7:25) and forgives our sins, restoring us to fellowship with God (1 John 1:9).
As we begin this new Civil Year 2025, having just celebrated Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, we consecrate and rededicate our lives unto You Oh LORD. We belong to You! Help us to choose to "Seek first Your Kingdom, and Your Righteousness, so that all of these things will be added unto us as well." (Matthew 6:33)
Cause us to HATE what is evil! Teach us to hate sin! As it is written in Your Word in Proverbs 8:13:
"To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech."
LORD, we renounce sin from our lives! Help us to walk in Your ways and to do what is right in Your sight, in YESHUA'S Mighty Name, Amen!
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