Joshua: A Foreshadowing of Christ's Eternal Rest
Summary
### Summary
In our ongoing series, "Simply Pointing to Christ," we have been exploring how various Old Testament characters direct us to Jesus. Today, we focused on Joshua, a pivotal figure in the Old Testament. Many people view the Old Testament as irrelevant or difficult to understand, but Jesus Himself said that the Scriptures testify about Him, and at that time, He was referring to the Old Testament. Therefore, it is crucial to see how these ancient texts and characters point us to Christ.
Joshua's story begins with him being appointed as the leader of Israel after Moses' death. God commands Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, a land promised to Abraham and his descendants. Joshua's role is not just a historical account but a theological narrative that points us to Christ. Joshua's life and actions serve as a type of Christ, prefiguring the ultimate salvation and rest that Jesus would bring.
Joshua led the Israelites into Canaan, a land flowing with milk and honey, symbolizing a temporal rest and salvation from their enemies. However, this rest was not final. The New Testament, particularly the book of Hebrews, reveals that the rest Joshua provided was a foreshadowing of a greater, eternal rest that Jesus offers. Jesus, whose name in Hebrew is Yeshua (the same as Joshua), provides a deeper, spiritual rest and salvation from sin, death, and the devil.
Moreover, the land promised to Abraham and his descendants is not just a physical territory but points to a heavenly, eternal inheritance. The New Testament clarifies that the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises is found in Christ, who will lead His people into a new heaven and a new earth, free from sin and suffering.
Joshua's story teaches us about faith, courage, and obedience, but more importantly, it directs our focus to Jesus, the greater Joshua. Through Joshua, we see a glimpse of the eternal rest and salvation that Christ secures for us. This understanding enriches our reading of the Old Testament and deepens our appreciation for God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Old Testament Testifies About Christ: Jesus affirmed that the Old Testament Scriptures testify about Him. This means that every story, character, and event in the Old Testament has a deeper significance that points us to Jesus. Ignoring the Old Testament is to miss out on the fullness of God's revelation. [02:47]
2. Joshua as a Type of Christ: Joshua's leadership in bringing the Israelites into the Promised Land serves as a type of Christ. Just as Joshua led the people to a temporal rest and salvation from their enemies, Jesus leads us to an eternal rest and salvation from sin, death, and the devil. [24:20]
3. The Promise of a Greater Rest: The rest that Joshua provided in Canaan was not the final rest. The New Testament, especially the book of Hebrews, reveals that there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, which is fulfilled in Jesus. This eternal rest is a key aspect of our salvation. [30:49]
4. The Land as a Symbol of Eternal Inheritance: The land promised to Abraham and his descendants is ultimately a symbol of a greater, heavenly inheritance. The New Testament clarifies that this promise is fulfilled in Christ, who will lead us into a new heaven and a new earth, free from sin and suffering. [32:22]
5. Christ Secures Our Eternal Rest: Jesus, the greater Joshua, has secured our entrance into the eternal land through His life, death, and resurrection. This eternal rest is not just a future hope but a present reality for those who are in Christ. We experience a foretaste of this rest now and will fully realize it when Christ returns. [37:16]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:59] - The Problem with Ignoring the Old Testament
[02:47] - Jesus and the Old Testament
[03:36] - Learning from Old Testament Characters
[04:12] - The Significance of Joshua
[05:17] - Joshua's Role in Redemptive History
[06:03] - Joshua Chapter 1: Introduction
[06:31] - God's Command to Joshua
[07:50] - Joshua's Leadership and God's Promises
[09:28] - The Abrahamic Covenant and Joshua
[10:54] - The Promise of the Land
[12:33] - Joshua's Introduction in Exodus
[13:47] - Joshua as a Warrior and Leader
[14:25] - The Spies and the Promised Land
[15:10] - The Report of the Spies
[15:50] - The Distrust of the Israelites
[16:21] - The New Generation and Joshua's Leadership
[17:00] - The Anticipation of the Promised Land
[17:35] - Joshua Commands the People
[18:10] - Crossing the Jordan River
[18:48] - The Conquest and Allotment of the Land
[19:24] - Joshua's Legacy
[19:59] - Joshua's Faithfulness
[20:46] - Joshua's Final Charge
[21:21] - Learning from Joshua's Example
[21:56] - Joshua as a Type of Christ
[22:45] - Joshua's Messianic Functions
[23:31] - Joshua's Temporal Salvation
[24:20] - Jesus as the Greater Joshua
[25:03] - The Israelites' Journey and Rest
[25:58] - Jesus Defeats Our Greatest Enemy
[26:37] - Jesus' Name and Mission
[27:19] - Jesus' Ultimate Salvation
[28:01] - The Eternal Rest in Christ
[28:50] - The Promise of the Land
[29:35] - The Fulfillment Beyond Canaan
[30:19] - The Rest in the Land of Canaan
[30:49] - Hebrews' Interpretation of Rest
[31:20] - Abraham's Heavenly City
[31:53] - The Better Country
[32:22] - The Heavenly Land
[32:51] - The New Jerusalem
[33:29] - The Greater Fulfillment in Christ
[34:00] - The Offspring of Abraham
[34:33] - The Promises Fulfilled in Christ
[35:04] - Jesus as the Source of All Blessings
[35:37] - The Greater Joshua and the Eternal State
[36:08] - The Shared Faith of Abraham
[36:40] - The Eternal Inheritance
[37:16] - Christ Secures Our Entrance
[37:47] - The Spiritual and Physical Realities
[38:21] - The New Heavens and New Earth
[38:52] - The End of Suffering
[39:23] - The Eternal Rest in Emmanuel's Land
[39:56] - Joshua Points Us to Christ
[40:36] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Joshua 1:1-9
2. Hebrews 4:8-10
3. Galatians 3:16
#### Observation Questions
1. What command does God give to Joshua in Joshua 1:1-9, and what promises accompany this command?
2. According to Hebrews 4:8-10, what does the rest that Joshua provided symbolize?
3. In Galatians 3:16, who is identified as the "offspring" to whom the promises were made?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Joshua's leadership in bringing the Israelites into the Promised Land serve as a type of Christ? ([24:20])
2. What does the "rest" mentioned in Hebrews 4:8-10 signify in the context of the New Testament, and how does it relate to the rest Joshua provided? ([30:49])
3. How does the promise of land to Abraham and his descendants in Genesis find its ultimate fulfillment in Christ according to Galatians 3:16? ([34:33])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the idea that the Old Testament testifies about Christ. How does this change your approach to reading the Old Testament? ([02:47])
2. Joshua was commanded to be strong and courageous. In what areas of your life do you need to exhibit more faith, courage, and obedience? ([07:50])
3. The sermon mentioned that Joshua's rest was a foreshadowing of the eternal rest Jesus offers. How can you experience and share this rest in your daily life? ([30:49])
4. The land promised to Abraham is ultimately a symbol of a greater, heavenly inheritance. How does this perspective influence your understanding of God's promises in your life? ([32:22])
5. Jesus, the greater Joshua, has secured our entrance into the eternal land. How does this assurance impact your hope and actions as a believer? ([37:16])
6. Joshua's story teaches us about faith, courage, and obedience. Identify a specific situation where you can apply these principles this week. ([21:21])
7. The sermon emphasized that ignoring the Old Testament is to miss out on the fullness of God's revelation. What steps can you take to incorporate more Old Testament study into your spiritual routine? ([02:47])
Devotional
Day 1: The Old Testament Testifies About Christ
The Old Testament is often seen as difficult to understand or irrelevant, but Jesus Himself affirmed that these Scriptures testify about Him. This means that every story, character, and event in the Old Testament has a deeper significance that points us to Jesus. Ignoring the Old Testament is to miss out on the fullness of God's revelation. By studying these ancient texts, we can gain a richer understanding of God's redemptive plan and see how it culminates in Christ. This perspective not only enriches our faith but also deepens our appreciation for the continuity and unity of the Bible. [02:47]
Luke 24:27 (ESV): "And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself."
Reflection: How can you incorporate the study of the Old Testament into your daily Bible reading to better understand how it points to Jesus?
Day 2: Joshua as a Type of Christ
Joshua's leadership in bringing the Israelites into the Promised Land serves as a type of Christ. Just as Joshua led the people to a temporal rest and salvation from their enemies, Jesus leads us to an eternal rest and salvation from sin, death, and the devil. Joshua's life and actions prefigure the ultimate salvation and rest that Jesus would bring. Understanding Joshua as a type of Christ helps us see the continuity in God's plan of salvation and the fulfillment of His promises through Jesus. [24:20]
Hebrews 4:8-9 (ESV): "For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day later on. So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God."
Reflection: In what ways can you see Jesus as your leader, guiding you to spiritual rest and salvation in your daily life?
Day 3: The Promise of a Greater Rest
The rest that Joshua provided in Canaan was not the final rest. The New Testament, especially the book of Hebrews, reveals that there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, which is fulfilled in Jesus. This eternal rest is a key aspect of our salvation. It is not just a future hope but a present reality for those who are in Christ. We experience a foretaste of this rest now and will fully realize it when Christ returns. This understanding encourages us to live in the peace and rest that Jesus offers, even amid life's challenges. [30:49]
Hebrews 4:10-11 (ESV): "For whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience."
Reflection: How can you strive to enter into the rest that Jesus offers in your daily life, especially during stressful or challenging times?
Day 4: The Land as a Symbol of Eternal Inheritance
The land promised to Abraham and his descendants is ultimately a symbol of a greater, heavenly inheritance. The New Testament clarifies that this promise is fulfilled in Christ, who will lead us into a new heaven and a new earth, free from sin and suffering. This eternal inheritance is not just a physical territory but a spiritual reality that we look forward to. It reminds us that our ultimate home is with God, and it encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on the things that truly matter. [32:22]
Revelation 21:1-2 (ESV): "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband."
Reflection: How does the promise of a new heaven and a new earth influence the way you live your life today?
Day 5: Christ Secures Our Eternal Rest
Jesus, the greater Joshua, has secured our entrance into the eternal land through His life, death, and resurrection. This eternal rest is not just a future hope but a present reality for those who are in Christ. We experience a foretaste of this rest now and will fully realize it when Christ returns. This understanding enriches our reading of the Old Testament and deepens our appreciation for God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. It also encourages us to live in the peace and rest that Jesus offers, knowing that our ultimate home is with Him. [37:16]
Matthew 11:28-29 (ESV): "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to experience the rest that Jesus offers, both now and in the future?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Jesus said the Old Testament is ultimately about him. And so, in this series, we are just scratching the surface of what Jesus meant when he said that the Scriptures testify about him. Again, he meant there, the Old Testament." [02:47] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Joshua was faithful. He was courageous. He was obedient unto the Lord. He was a national hero. He's an Israelite legend. There's no doubt about it. And we can learn from Joshua's character. And we can learn from his devotion to the Lord. Joshua isn't just some old guy written about in some old book. He is our brother in Christ. He had faith in God." [21:21] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus of Nazareth. The son of God. Was born in the small village of Bethlehem. According to the scriptures. As a fulfillment of prophecy. And his very name. The very name Jesus means Yahweh is salvation. Indicates that the very reason for his dissension and his humbling. Was that he came to save sinners. And to give rest to the weary and heavy laden." [26:37] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "There is only one way to enter that heavenly land. And my friends. Christ has secured your entrance. If in fact you call upon his name. In faith. When he returns. The earth and all creation. Will be renewed. Not done away with. Renewed. And all of the earth will be his kingdom. And he as the greater Joshua. Will lead us into. He will usher us into. That land." [37:16] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We have every reason to hope. And we have every reason to look forward to. The Lord's return. And we have every reason to be encouraged. Because in the new heavens. And the new earth. We will finally be free. From the presence of sin. We will be in the unhindered presence of God. Sort of basking. In the radiance of his glory." [38:21] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We will fall woefully short of God's intended revelation in the Bible if we fail to understand how these characters, how these situations, how these themes are moving us towards Christ. The Old Testament is not some stagnant collection of books doing nothing. It's constantly moving us forward, pointing us to Christ. And we need to figure out how it does that." [04:12] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Joshua's actions there point us to Jesus. Who defeats our greatest enemy. Which is sin. Because without Christ we are all dejected. We're fearful. We're hopeless. And we are lost. We were a people without a home. Who were controlled by sin at our very core. Sin tainted every action. Every word. Every thought that we had." [25:58] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus the greater Joshua. Conquered sin, death and the devil. Through sacrifice and through love. Through which the people of God are given an eternal rest. And so in that way thinking of Joshua. You can more easily see how his actions would point us to Christ." [28:01] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The New Testament. Specifically the book of Hebrews. The best commentary available on the Old Testament. Tells us that even Abraham. And the Old Testament believers of Abraham. Were looking beyond. That physical land of Canaan. Because God had in mind for them. A greater fulfillment. He had in mind for them. Emmanuel's land." [33:29] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Our focus was never intended to stay there. But point us to Christ. There is only one way to enter that heavenly land. And my friends. Christ has secured your entrance. If in fact you call upon his name. In faith. When he returns. The earth and all creation. Will be renewed. Not done away with. Renewed. And all of the earth will be his kingdom." [37:16] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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