In the book written by Mark Driscoll ,"Vintage Jesus", there is an amazing way he has us view Jesus in order to better understand Him. He shows us that we can view Him as prophet, priest, and king. In order to understand this post better, I would like for you to think of Jesus as king.
Many years before Jesus' coming to the earth in the flesh, there was a young man named Joseph who loved and feared the Lord. His father Jacob loved him more than any of his other sons and blessed him with a beautiful robe. This robe however was taken from Joseph by his brothers, his own people, and his brothers used this very robe to fool their father to believe the lie that Joseph was attacked and killed. However, Joseph as we know did not die, but he did suffer. From age 17 to age 30 (13 years) Joseph literally walked through the valley of the shadow of death, but God was with him. Until finally he had found favor with Pharaoh, and this is what happened...
This proposal pleased Pharaoh and all his servants. And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.” And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.” Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph's hand, and clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain about his neck. And he made him ride in his second chariot. And they called out before him, “Bow the knee!” Thus he set him over all the land of Egypt. Moreover, Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, and without your consent no one shall lift up hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.” Genesis 41:37-44 (ESV)
Joseph was promoted as high as Pharaoh, and only in regards to the throne was Pharaoh greater than Joseph. Joseph was a king. Thus the robe dipped in blood and the 13 years of trial were redeemed to bring about what God had planned next for Joseph. God brought Joseph back to his people Israel as a king to fulfill His promise made to Jacob, Issac and Abraham. It is important to note that Joseph lived his life to be used by God. Joseph's idol was God and as he loved and worshiped Him, he became even more like Jesus. If we really examine Joseph he was SO Christ like its just hard to miss. He was a humble servant, he was a great prophet, to those around him he was a loving priest, and he was a king who did not abuse his power but stewarded it wisely to bless God's people. Like Jesus, Joseph was greatly loved by His father. And like Jesus he was abounding in love and mercy. Joseph was an amazing image bearer of Christ. God was able to use him to carry out His will. But God was also able to redeem the robe dipped in blood, symbolizing the mock death of Joseph and ultimately the sin or betrayal of his brothers. Indeed Joseph escaped death when his brothers tried do away with him, just as his grandfather Issac had escaped death when God told Abraham to sacrifice his son whom he loved. God used these men to symbolize Jesus, to show us what He would ultimately do for us. These men were not worthy to die for the sins of God's people, but little did they know that their lineage would bring about Jesus, who WOULD be killed and betrayed by His own people, and would defeat death once and for all, and would come back to us (His people) as king, sitting at the right hand of God the father as king of kings, with the power to grant us our salvation. The book of Revelation tells us about His second coming...
Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords. Revelation 19:11-16 (ESV)
Upon Jesus' return we will see Him for who He really is, a mighty King. He will come in great power and finish off death once and for all. And He will do it wearing a robe dipped in blood. This robe will have His blood on it which is the only blood worthy of cleansing us from our sins. We will be redeemed by this blood and it will glorify the Father forever.
I believe the robe dipped in blood is a divine slap in the face to Satan, sin, and death. As evil tries to prevail, God uses its plot to glorify Himself and bless His people and bring about an amazing king.
