Genesis 40:11

The butler told his dream. Its main points were: (1) that the vine had three branches, which produced the ripe grapes; (2) that Pharaoh's cup was in his hand, so that he could press into it the ripe grapes; and (3) that the cup of grape juice passed into Pharaoh's hand. The interpretation was simple. Within three days Pharaoh would restore the butler to his place.

God often works by simple means, as here by such a dream as fell very naturally to this official of Pharaoh's court. Yet it was truly prophetic; and only a prophet was able to give its clear meaning. Here the wisdom of God was as evident as in sending the dream. No one looks for unity of time and place in such a vision. A vision can crowd the events of months, or years, into a single scene: the vine budding, blossoming and yielding grapes, and wine fit for a king's cup. No one ever heard of so fast a result in the hands of a cupbearer, with no winepress, no vat, and no storing in jars.

The remarkable point which Joseph was given to seize is the precision of the three days indicated by the three branches. No priestly interpreter in Egypt would have ventured to say, as Joseph did at once, "The three branches are three days. In three days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your office." If it were a guess, three months might have been more likely; but no. The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him. Even more was given here: God's work in Joseph's own spirit, and the divine wisdom that sent the vision to the Egyptian official. Interpretation of what God says or does belongs to God. He gives it as He wills, and as a rule to those whom He loves, even in circumstances of the deepest humiliation. In this Joseph pictured what was true of the Lord Himself here on earth.

In every step of the life of the Son of God He glorified the Father, and it was also true in His death. In the passage above the grapes were pressed. We might well think of the Lord's death and the terrible pressure when He was made sin. Gethsemane means the "winepress," but there it was suffering in anticipation. What can we say of the cross itself? Sinners have been accepted because of that finished work which glorified God. The butler, as we see, was restored to his position again. We who were guilty are justified before God. If we wish to extend the type further, perhaps the three branches would remind us of Christ's resurrection. Justification is in a risen Saviour.

The butler is brought before a vine with three branches, living and fruitful. Pharaoh's cup (the symbol of God's judgment, Psalm 75:7-8) is in his hand. He takes the grapes and presses them into the cup, and then gives the cup into Pharaoh's hands. That is, the man takes his place in the presence of Christ, the true Vine. He accepts God's judgment and offers the blood of Christ, according to the measure of that judgment. God accepts it, and the man is forgiven and lifted up.

The chief butler sees something ready to his hand, the grape clusters. He makes use of them and presents them to Pharaoh as the blood of the grape. The birds devour the offering of the baker. Here we have a picture of "the only two religions." One makes everything depend on the blood of Jesus. The other ignores the blood and trusts human righteousness.