Series LESSONS OF FAITH FROM JOSHUA with Pastor Mark Finley
Lesson 10.The True Joshua From Shadow to Light – Joshua as a Picture of Christ
The Bible is rich in symbols and foreshadowing that point to the true Light – Jesus Christ. Lesson 10 invites us to see Joshua not only as a historical leader of Israel, but as a biblical type pointing to the coming Redeemer. Through Joshua’s life and mission, God reveals prophetically what He will accomplish perfectly in Christ. We discover that Jesus is not only the new Moses, but the greater Joshua – the Leader who brings us into the eternal inheritance. These parallels help us understand the unity of Scripture and the plan of salvation more clearly. Typology becomes a window through which we can see God’s purpose in both the Old and New Testaments.
Content: 10.1 Biblical Typology Foreshadowing Christ – How the Old Testament points to the Redeemer
Biblical typology shows how persons, events, or objects in the Old Testament symbolically point to Christ or New Testament truths. A type is a God-appointed pre-figure – like a mold – whose complete fulfillment (antitype) is revealed in Jesus. For example, David appears in the Psalms as the suffering righteous one, fulfilled antitypically in Jesus at the cross (John 19:24). Typology is not a creative New Testament reinterpretation – it is grounded in the Old Testament and guided by the Holy Spirit. It teaches us to read Scripture as one unified testimony of God’s saving plan. Figures like David, the Passover Lamb, or the sanctuary reveal how Christ is the ultimate hope and fulfillment of all promises.
10.2 Type and Antitype Unity in Diversity – How Typology unfolds God’s work of salvation
Type and antitype are closely connected biblical building blocks that help us understand salvation history. Scripture itself defines what constitutes a type and how its fulfillment (antitype) appears in Christ, in the church, and in the end of time. Israel, the Exodus, and the sanctuary are examples of types that are fulfilled in multiple stages – first in Jesus (Christological), then in His church (Ecclesiological), and finally in the final judgment and the new creation (Eschatological). These structures reveal the deep coherence of the Bible. They teach us to see God’s actions throughout history as unified, purposeful, and full of hope. When one passage is unclear, we may look to the wider context – for Scripture interprets itself.
10.3 Joshua, the Type Moses, Joshua – and the True Redeemer: Christ as the Fulfillment of God’s Plan
Scripture intentionally presents Joshua as a new Moses – both are divinely commissioned, both lead the people through waters, both renew the covenant, and both give farewell speeches at the end of their ministry. These parallels are typologically meaningful: they prophetically point to Jesus, the true Leader and Redeemer. Moses foretold in Deuteronomy 18 that God would raise up “a Prophet like me” – fulfilled ultimately in Christ (Acts 3:22). Joshua reflects this fulfillment in part, but only Jesus reveals God fully, brings true salvation, and speaks with divine authority. Typology connects Israel’s great leaders to the one perfect Savior. Jesus is therefore the solid foundation of our faith – the One toward whom all history moves, and without whom there is no true spiritual life.
10.4 The True Joshua, the Antitype Jesus – the true Joshua who secures our eternal inheritance
Joshua led Israel into the promised land – an earthly inheritance meant to bring peace and justice. Yet Scripture makes clear this was not the final goal. The true Joshua, Jesus Christ, leads His people into spiritual rest and eternal inheritance – not won through outward battles but through His victory over sin, death, and Satan. Just as Joshua distributed the land, Christ gives grace, hope, and the kingdom of God. Hebrews 4 reveals that those who believe in Christ enter God’s true rest – now by faith, fully in the world to come. In Jesus we have security, peace, and an inheritance that cannot fade away (1 Peter 1:4).
10.5 Joshua and Us Called to the battle – led into rest
Joshua led Israel through visible outward battles. Today, the church fights not with swords, but in spiritual warfare against sin, temptation, and the forces of darkness (Ephesians 6:10–12). As Joshua brought Israel into the rest of the land, Jesus leads His church into the rest of grace – with eyes fixed on the eternal inheritance. The final victory will be revealed at Christ’s return, when the heavenly Canaan becomes our home (1 Peter 1:4). Even now, we are called to live in this hope and reflect His character — through devotion and daily fellowship with Him. Those who follow Jesus are transformed by beholding His glory (2 Corinthians 3:18).
10.6 Summary Jesus – The Greater Joshua and Our Eternal Leader
Lesson 10 shows that Joshua is a prophetic type of Jesus Christ. Just as Joshua led Israel into the promised land, so Jesus leads His church into spiritual rest and eternal inheritance. Typology reveals the link between Old Testament events and their complete fulfillment in Christ. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection not only fulfill the symbolism of Joshua, but disclose a deeper spiritual victory over sin and death. The church continues to face spiritual battles today, but through Christ we are brought into the rest of grace. The final fulfillment of Joshua’s promise awaits us in God’s new world – the heavenly Canaan.
