Sabbath School Lesson for November 29-December 5, 2025
Introduction of Lesson 10, The True Joshua
Memory Text: “Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come.” 1 Corinthians 10:11 ESV
Hebrews 8:2 speaks of a sanctuary in heaven that is the “true tabernacle” built by God, not man. Likewise, the method of Bible interpretation called typology leads us to conclude that the new land in Canaan that the Israelites were about to settle point us to a future reality of a land of inheritance in an earth made new.
The conquests and battles fought by Joshua can also be seen in the spiritual battles that our Warrior-king Jesus fights against evil forces in the world today, and the final victory to be won when He returns to this earth as our conquering King of kings.
Using such typology enables us to see Jesus as the true Joshua we find in the accounted stories Joshua has left us. We are instructed and encouraged as we see events unfold since the time of Joshua to reach out in faith to an even more glorious future in heavenly Canaan.
- Sunday: Biblical Typology
- Monday: Type and Antitype
- Tuesday: Joshua, the Type
- Wednesday: The True Joshua, the Antitype
- Thursday: Joshua and Us
Sunday: Biblical Typology
Typology, a method of interpretation long used by Bible scholars, does not have to be intimidating. Its purpose is to make our understanding of Bible events easier to grasp and hold onto. Recognizing these types and antitypes, as we see them in the past, ultimately gives us hope and confidence in God’s plans for His people, both now and in the future.
Many types in the Old Testament prefigured, or foreshadowed, the Messiah. Prophets and their prophecies of old were well-known to New Testament writers–the Old Testament being the only Scriptures they had to study. Thankfully, New Testament writers often pointed out the antitypical fulfillments as their meanings became evident to them.
The ministries of Moses, Joshua, Elisha, David, and others reflected in some way the life, ministry, and death of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Examples of old enabled the disciples to understand and preach “present truth” to their thirsty congregations (2 Peter 1:12). And these discoveries thankfully make it possible for us today to know the will of God more fully.
Verses and questions:
Romans 5:14, 1 Corinthians 10:1-10, and Hebrews 8:5
- What are some of the types and antitypes seen in these verses?
- Why would it be helpful to know them?
Psalm 22:1, 16-18, John 19:24, Isaiah 9:6, and Isaiah 11:1-4
- How can these verses show us how typology works and how it might be used?
Monday: Type and Antitype
It’s helpful when we learn to distinguish between type and antitype. The type is the person, thing, or event that comes first. It points us to an antitype that comes later. Thankfully, the New Testament points out many of these types and explains what the specific antitype is.
Types have at least one kind of fulfillment that teaches us more about God. There are three main kinds of fulfillment to look for though:
- the Christological fulfillment (how it pertains to Christ),
- the ecclesiastical (how it pertains to the church), and
- the eschatological (how it pertains to the last days and the end of time).
By studying these fulfillments, the word of God is able to teach us more about being like Jesus, getting saved, and having hope in the future. They open our eyes to much of what happened in the Old Testament, including the exodus, the sanctuary, and the settlement of Israel in Canaan. The New Testament is easier to understand as well, when coupled with events before Christ.
Some Bible passages are particularly difficult to discern. But as we see how they harmonize with the rest of the Scriptures, we can gain a blessing and a newfound appreciation of them. This is done with the assistance of the Holy Spirit and by studying them deeply with other seasoned Bible scholars.
Verses and questions:
Matthew 2:14, 15, 19-21
- What connection is there between Jesus as a child refugee in Egypt and Jacob’s family finding refuge there during a famine?
- What kind of famine was there during Jesus’ time on earth?
Revelation 7:4, 14, 18:4
- What kind of fulfillments are seen in these verses?
- How does this help us understand who are included as God’s saved people?
Revelation 11:19, 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17, 2 Corinthians 6:16
- Why are the present and future blended in some types we are given?
Tuesday: Joshua, the Type
Joshua and Moses had many similar life experiences that point to the Messiah. Both Moses and Joshua had personal encounters with God when they were told to take off their sandals (Exodus 3:5 and Joshua 5:15). Moses led them through the Red Sea, and Joshua led them miraculously across the Jordan. Manna began to fall under Moses’ leadership, and it ceased to fall under Joshua. Raising their hand was a signal of victory for them both. Moses was given instructions for dividing the land, and Joshua carried them out. And in the end, they both had solemn, encouraging farewell addresses to deliver to their beloved people.
In addition, we can’t help but see these elements in the life and ministry of Jesus, who was claimed by many to be the Messiah. Moses pointed out that there would be a Prophet who would come later, whom they must hear and obey. See Deuteronomy 18:15, 18, and 19.
Yes, both Moses and Joshua were types of Christ. Jesus was not only willing to give up His life, like Joshua and Moses offered to do, but He actually did suffer and die for us on the cruel tree at Calvary.
Verses and questions:
Exodus 3:1, 2 and Joshua 5:13-15
- What other similarities were there between Moses and his successor Joshua?
Deuteronomy 18:15, 18, and 19
- Why is Jesus seen as the antitype of these two commanders? How might they be connected?
Wednesday: The True Joshua, the Antitype
In one of Isaiah’s many Messianic prophecies, we find that the Holy One will “cause them to inherit the desolate heritages” (Isaiah 49:8). Indeed, the goal of the many battles Joshua, the new Moses, fought in Canaan was for that purpose.
Other elements in Joshua’s life shout to us similarities with what Jesus later experienced.
- Joshua wandered forty years in the wilderness, seeking to know God better–and Christ spent forty days in the wilderness before He started His earthly ministry.
- Joshua crossed the Jordan at the beginning of their battles to inherit the land–and Jesus was baptized in the Jordan at the beginning of His battle to fight back the powers of Satan.
- Joshua struggled to settle the Israelites in the Promised Land and establish a nation built on God’s law–and Jesus, the Divine Warrior, came to establish a new kingdom and to put God’s law in our hearts.
All in all, we can see many Christological fulfillments in Joshua’s life, as well as in the lives of many other Old Testament prophets and patriarchs.
Verses and questions:
Isaiah 49:8 and Hebrews 9:15
- What was the difference between the inheritance Joshua fought for and the promise of our heavenly inheritance?
Hebrews 3:7-4:11
- What can we learn from this passage about entering into God’s rest, and how is it connected with the story of Joshua?
- Why is it important to rest in the Lord, and how is it done?
Thursday: Joshua and Us
In addition to the Christological fulfillment we observe in the life of Joshua, there are also fulfillments that reflect what the church has experienced down through the ages. The wars and skirmishes Joshua fought against the pagan tribes in Canaan remind us of the spiritual battles of God’s believers as they struggle to follow the Messiah and push back Satan’s forces of evil.
Looking forward into the future, we can also see an eschatological/apocalyptic aspect to Joshua’s experience. This final fulfillment will unfold at the time of Jesus’ Second Coming. It was a violent, turbulent time for the Israelites under Joshua’s command before their final settlement in Canaan. Likewise, the final moments before the glorious appearing of Christ will not be easy ones for anyone on this planet. At last, though, we will obtain our inheritance in the Promised Land and will dwell with the Lord in heaven forever.
There’s so much to consider as we study the life of Joshua. By understanding more fully the will of God for His people, we are motivated to continue our mission here on earth. In the meantime, we long to have our relationship with the Creator fully restored and enjoy the everlasting pleasure of His company in the earth made new.
Verses and questions:
1 Timothy 1:18, 2 Timothy 4:7, Ephesians 6:10-12, and 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
- How do the wars fought by Joshua reflect the spiritual struggles of the church?
Acts 20:32, 1 Peter 1:4, and Colossians 3:24
- What kind of inheritance do we still long for from God, and when will we receive it?
Friday: Final Thoughts
Even with the many types and meaningful symbols presented in the Old Testament, most of the Jewish population failed to recognize the Messiah. The fulfillment of the prophecies sadly remained obscure and overlooked by the majority of His chosen people. The many ceremonies they were careful to observe had become useless when it came to welcoming the Promised One.
The church today is in danger of the same aloofness and dwindling faith as His people were at the time of Christ’s first advent. We have lost much by clinging to our beloved traditions and ceremonies, making us virtually unprepared for His Second Coming. Only the Holy Spirit can restore the zeal we once had as a church body.
“The true missionary spirit has deserted the churches that make so exalted a profession; their hearts are no longer aglow with love for souls and a desire to lead them into the fold of Christ.” Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 156.
The current theme of the Seventh-day Adventist Church is, “Jesus is coming, I will go”. The stated priorities of this slogan are: communion with God, identity in Christ, unity through the Holy Spirit, and mission for all. The armies who faithfully marched with Joshua were first willing to go. May we be more like them as the Second Coming approaches.
Next Week: Living in the Land
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