Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 10 - Friday Further Thought
Biblical Typology Pointing to Jesus
How does biblical typology help you better understand the ministry of Jesus Christ on your behalf?
Biblical typology is one of Scripture’s most powerful ways of revealing the unity of God’s story. A type is a person, event, or institution in the Old Testament that foreshadows and anticipates a greater fulfillment in Jesus Christ. When we study these patterns, we don’t just gain more Bible knowledge—we see more clearly the heart of Christ, His ministry, and His saving work for us. Typology helps us realize that Jesus is not God’s plan B; He is the center of Scripture from the beginning.
Below are three major Old Testament examples—Moses, Joshua, and David—and how the New Testament identifies them as foreshadowing Christ and His eternal kingdom.
1. Moses: The Mediator and Deliverer
Moses stands as one of the most obvious types of Christ. He delivered Israel from bondage, mediated God’s covenant, and interceded for the people when they sinned.
How Moses points to Jesus:
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Deliverer: Moses brought Israel out of Egypt; Jesus brings us out of slavery to sin (John 8:36).
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Mediator: Moses stood between the people and God at Sinai; Jesus is the better Mediator of a better covenant (Hebrews 8:6).
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Prophet: Moses foretold that God would raise up another Prophet like him—and the New Testament confirms this prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus (Deuteronomy 18:15; Acts 3:22–23).
How this deepens my understanding of Jesus:
Christ doesn’t simply save and walk away; He continually intercedes, represents me before the Father, and teaches me God’s ways. He is the Mediator I can trust when I fall short.
2. Joshua: The Captain Who Brings Us into Rest
Joshua’s very name—Yehoshua, the same root as Jesus—points to salvation. Joshua led Israel into the Promised Land and secured their inheritance.
How Joshua points to Jesus:
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Conqueror and Captain: Joshua led God’s people into the land; Jesus leads His people in triumph through His cross and resurrection (Colossians 2:15).
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Rest: Hebrews teaches that the “rest” Joshua gave was incomplete, pointing to the greater rest Jesus provides (Hebrews 4:8–9).
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Faithful Leader: Joshua’s bold obedience pictures Christ’s unwavering devotion to the Father’s will.
How this deepens my understanding of Jesus:
Christ is not only my Savior—He is the One who leads me daily, fights for me, and brings me into true spiritual rest. In Him, I find the inheritance of eternal life.
3. David: The Shepherd-King After God’s Own Heart
David, the shepherd who became Israel’s king, is one of the most vivid pictures of the coming Messiah.
How David points to Jesus:
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Shepherd: David shepherded Israel; Jesus is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11).
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King: God promised David an eternal throne (2 Samuel 7:12–13), fulfilled in Christ, the Son of David (Luke 1:32–33).
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Victorious Warrior: David defeated Goliath; Jesus defeats sin, death, and Satan on our behalf (1 Corinthians 15:54–57).
How this deepens my understanding of Jesus:
Jesus reigns both with compassion and authority. He guides, protects, and rules with justice far beyond the example of David.
Typology in the New Testament: Christ and the New Jerusalem
The New Testament writers consistently show that the stories, offices, and figures of the Old Testament all converge on Jesus:
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Jesus referred to Moses’ writings as pointing to Him (John 5:46).
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Stephen and Peter both identify Moses as a type of Christ (Acts 7:37; Acts 3:22).
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The book of Hebrews explicitly connects Joshua to Jesus, showing that only Christ brings final rest (Hebrews 4).
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The Gospels repeatedly present Jesus as the Son of David who will sit on the everlasting throne (Matthew 1:1; Luke 1:32–33).
And all these threads lead to the ultimate fulfillment: the New Jerusalem, the eternal dwelling place of God with His people (Revelation 21–22). The Promised Land pointed forward to a better country. The throne of David pointed to a perfect and everlasting King. The temple Moses built pointed to God dwelling among His redeemed forever.
Typology teaches us that Jesus is the climax of Scripture’s story and the One in whom every promise finds its “Yes.”
Closing Reflection
When I see Moses, Joshua, and David pointing to Jesus, I’m reminded that Christ’s ministry on my behalf is complete, intentional, and deeply rooted in God’s eternal plan. He delivers me like Moses, leads me like Joshua, and shepherds and rules me like David. Understanding typology enriches my love for Jesus and strengthens my confidence that my future—secured in the New Jerusalem—is unshakeable.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for revealing Yourself throughout all of Scripture. Thank You for being my Deliverer like Moses, my Leader and Rest-Giver like Joshua, and my Shepherd-King like David. Open my eyes to see more of You in Your Word. Deepen my trust in Your finished work and strengthen my hope in the New Jerusalem You have prepared for Your people. Keep my heart faithful, grateful, and ready to follow wherever You lead. In Your precious 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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