Any good accomplished by biblical characters was the work of the Spirit of Christ and reflected the formation of Jesus’ image in them. As such, these characters often point to Jesus by analogy – they are like Him – or they are witnesses to His character. Example: Joseph’s forgiveness and acceptance of the brothers who sinned against him reflect the spirit of Jesus who was in him. As such, Joseph is one of the most perfect analogies of Jesus’ forgiving spirit and one of the most powerful witnesses to Jesus’ forgiving heart.

David Murray, Jesus on Every Page: 10 Simple Ways to Seek and Find Christ in the Old Testament, 60.

When Joseph forgave his brothers, he was picturing the future work of Jesus, which even then was working in Joseph, by the Spirit of Jesus. Used in this way, the Old Testament characters should motivate worship and imitation of Jesus.

David Murray, Jesus on Every Page: 10 Simple Ways to Seek and Find Christ in the Old Testament, 70.