(Hebrews 4:8-9)
The book of Joshua marks a significant turning point in Israel’s history—the transition from wilderness wandering to entering the Promised Land. The Lord commissions Joshua to lead the people of Israel into Canaan, fulfilling His promise to Abraham. However, as great as Joshua was, his leadership ultimately pointed to a far greater leader—Jesus Christ—who leads His people into the ultimate Promised Land of rest.
In Hebrews 4:8-9, we see this truth affirmed:
“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.” (Hebrews 4:8-9, ESV)
This passage tells us that the rest Joshua provided was incomplete. The physical land of Canaan was a shadow of the greater rest that only Jesus, the true and greater Joshua, can give. Let’s explore how Joshua 1 foreshadows Jesus as our divine leader and the One who brings us into God’s eternal inheritance.
1. Joshua and Jesus: The Names that Speak of Salvation
It is no coincidence that the name Joshua (Yehoshua) means “The Lord is Salvation.” The Greek form of Joshua is Iēsous, which is translated as Jesus in English. This means that even in name, Joshua was a type of Christ, foreshadowing the Savior who would come to deliver His people.
While Joshua led Israel into a physical land of rest, Jesus leads His people into the eternal rest of salvation. Through His finished work on the cross, Jesus provides what no earthly leader can—eternal life, true peace, and everlasting communion with God.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
Jesus does not simply provide temporary relief from physical burdens; He grants rest for the soul, an everlasting peace found in Him alone.
2. “Be Strong and Courageous” – The Strength to Follow Jesus
In Joshua 1, God commands Joshua three times to be strong and courageous:
- Verse 6: “Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land.”
- Verse 7: “Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law.”
- Verse 9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
These words were not just for Joshua; they are also for all who follow Jesus. Just as Joshua had to trust in God’s power and presence to lead Israel, we are called to trust in Jesus, who walks with us and strengthens us.
When Jesus sent out His disciples, He told them:
“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)
Just as God was with Joshua, Jesus is with us. When we follow Christ, we need courage and faith, especially when facing trials, opposition, and spiritual battles. But we do not walk alone—our Savior goes before us, just as the Lord went before Joshua.
3. The Land of Promise: A Shadow of the Greater Inheritance
The land of Canaan was a gift from God, a fulfillment of His promise to Abraham. Yet, Hebrews 4:8-9 tells us that the rest Joshua provided was not the ultimate rest God intended. The land of Canaan was temporary; it could be lost due to sin and disobedience. However, the inheritance we receive through Christ is eternal and cannot be taken away.
Paul writes in Ephesians 1:11:
“In Him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will.”
Unlike the temporary land of Canaan, our inheritance in Christ is secure. Jesus, our greater Joshua, leads us into the true Promised Land—the Kingdom of God, where we will dwell with Him forever.
4. The Ark of the Covenant and the Presence of God
In Joshua 1 and throughout the conquest of Canaan, the Ark of the Covenant played a central role. The Ark symbolized the presence of God among His people, leading them into battle and ensuring victory.
Jesus, however, is far greater than the Ark—He is Emmanuel, God with us (Matthew 1:23). He does not merely represent the presence of God; He is the presence of God. Through Him, we have direct access to the Father, and we walk daily in His presence through the Holy Spirit.
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory.” (John 1:14)
Jesus is not only our leader; He is our constant source of strength, guidance, and divine presence in every step of our journey.
5. The Call to Obedience and the Law Fulfilled in Christ
God instructed Joshua to meditate on the law and not turn from it:
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it.” (Joshua 1:8)
While Joshua was tasked with keeping the law, we know that no one can perfectly obey it—except Jesus. Jesus fulfilled the law completely, living a sinless life and offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice. Because of His obedience, we are made righteous by faith in Him.
“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” (Romans 10:4)
Now, rather than striving to keep the law for salvation, we follow Jesus in love and obedience, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Conclusion: Jesus Leads Us into the Eternal Promised Land
Joshua led Israel into Canaan, but Jesus leads us into the greater, eternal Promised Land—the Kingdom of God. His work of salvation is complete, and He invites all to enter His rest:
“So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God.” (Hebrews 4:9)
Just as Joshua called the Israelites to step into the land by faith, Jesus calls us to follow Him, trusting that He has already secured the victory. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He has made a way for us to dwell with God forever.
Are you following Jesus, the greater Joshua? He invites you to enter His rest today—will you trust Him to lead you into the inheritance He has prepared for you?
