Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 10 - Wednesday
The True Joshua, the Antitype
Hebrews 3:7–4:11
The New Testament repeatedly shows that Joshua—Moses’ successor and the leader who brought Israel into the Promised Land—was more than a historical figure. He was a type, a divinely chosen preview, of Jesus Christ Himself. Moses led God’s people out of bondage, but Joshua led them into their inheritance. In this way, Joshua stands as a foreshadowing of a greater Savior, a greater Captain, and a greater Rest-Giver.
Hebrews 3 and 4 make this point unmistakable. The writer contrasts two “rests”: the temporary rest Joshua gave Israel when they entered Canaan, and the deeper, spiritual rest Christ gives to all who believe. Hebrews 4:8 states, “For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day.” In other words, Joshua’s conquest pointed forward. His work was real, but it was not final. It prepared the mind of Israel to recognize a coming Deliverer who would bring them into a rest far greater than a geographical inheritance.
Joshua could lead the people into the land, but Jesus, the true Joshua (the names are the same in Hebrew—Yehoshua), leads God’s people into salvation, victory over sin, and eternal life. Joshua conquered earthly enemies; Jesus conquered Satan, sin, death, and the grave. Joshua divided the land; Jesus gives His people the blessings of the new covenant. Joshua brought Israel into a temporary rest; Jesus brings His people into the eternal rest of God.
Hebrews 3:7–4:11 urges believers not to repeat Israel’s mistake of hardening their hearts. Instead, we are invited into a rest that is complete, sufficient, and purchased by Christ Himself. This rest is not inactivity—it is confidence, trust, and settled assurance that the victory has already been won by Another.
What Does It Mean to “Rest” in What Christ Has Done for Us?
Resting in Christ means placing the full weight of your confidence—not on what you can do—but on what Christ has already done. It is the end of striving for acceptance and the beginning of life lived in assurance. When Hebrews speaks of God’s rest, it refers to the heart finally learning to stop carrying burdens Christ has already borne.
Rest means:
1. Trusting Christ’s finished work.
Jesus lived the perfect life we could not live and died the death we deserved. Rest comes when we accept that His righteousness is enough and His sacrifice is complete. We do not add to it; we simply believe it.
2. Living with assurance, not anxiety.
Rest is the opposite of spiritual insecurity. It is knowing that our salvation does not depend on our fluctuating feelings or unstable performance. Because Christ's work is finished, our peace can be firm.
3. Confidence in His victory over Satan.
Hebrews and the Gospels make it clear that Jesus defeated Satan through His obedience, His cross, and His resurrection. When we are in Christ, His victory becomes our victory. We do not fight to win spiritual battles—we fight from the victory He has already secured.
How can we have assurance that Jesus has defeated Satan on our behalf?
We have assurance because:
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Scripture declares it. Jesus said, “Now the ruler of this world will be cast out” (John 12:31). Hebrews says He destroyed “him who had the power of death—that is, the devil” (Heb. 2:14).
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The empty tomb proves it. Death is Satan’s weapon. Christ rose, disarming him forever.
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The Holy Spirit witnesses to it. The Spirit applies Christ’s victory to our hearts, giving us peace, boldness, and the freedom that comes from forgiveness.
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Our lives testify to it. Every temptation resisted through Christ’s strength, every sin forgiven, every fear turned to hope is evidence that Satan’s dominance is broken.
We rest because Jesus has already fought the decisive battle—and won it. Our role is to trust, to follow, and to stand firm in His triumph.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You are the true and greater Joshua—the One who leads us into the promised rest of salvation. Thank You for finishing the work we could never complete and for defeating Satan on our behalf. Teach us to rest in Your strength, not our own. Calm our anxious hearts and fill us with confidence in Your victory. Help us to trust fully in Your grace, walk in Your peace, and live each day in the assurance that You have already overcome the world. Lead us faithfully into Your eternal rest. In Your mighty name, Amen.
More: The True Joshua- Sabbath School Lesson 10 - The Lessons of Faith from Joshua
Sabbath School Quarterly Online: The Lessons of Faith from Joshua
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