How do we know that the Gospel is present in the Old Testament stories?

The Old Testament is replete with types and shadows that point to the redemptive work of Christ. The story of Joseph is one of the clearest examples, as his life mirrors key aspects of the Gospel narrative. Joseph's experience—being loved by his father, rejected by his brothers, sold into slavery, and ultimately elevated to a position of power to save many—serves as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. The parallels are striking; just as Joseph was sent to minister to his brothers but was initially rejected, Christ was sent into the world and faced rejection from His own people. This continuum of salvation history clearly illustrates how God's plan unfolds through narrative; the stories are not merely moral lessons but are intricately designed to showcase His grace towards His people.