Sermon: From Jesus in Joshua

Sermon Date: 7/13/2025

Bible Verses:

• Luke 24:44–49
• Joshua 1:1–18

Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley

Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning

1. Introduction: Picking Up Where We Left Off

Last week, we looked at Deuteronomy 31, where Moses prepared the people for the next season and passed the mantle of leadership to Joshua. He told them, “Be strong and courageous. The Lord your God goes before you.”

Now we turn the page to the Book of Joshua.

But before we do, Jesus tells us something important:

1. All Scripture Points to Him

Luke 24:44–49

“Everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”

Jesus says the entire Old Testament—from Moses to the Prophets to the Psalms—is about Him.

Joshua is not just a military history or a moral example. It is prophetic, pointing forward to Jesus.

• In the Hebrew Bible, Joshua is not grouped in the "Histories" but in the Prophets.
• In the Greek Septuagint, the name "Joshua" is rendered Iēsous—the very same Greek word used in the New Testament for Jesus.
• Joshua’s Hebrew name, Yehoshua, means “Yahweh saves.”

In other words, when we read the Book of Joshua, we are reading a living shadow of Jesus Christ.

III. Moses Could Not Finish the Work

Joshua 1:1–9

“Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people…”

Moses brought the people out of slavery but he could not bring them into rest. Moses represents the Law—and the Law can:

• Show you your need for salvation
• Reveal your sin
• Guide your steps

But the Law cannot bring you into the promise. It cannot give you rest. It cannot deliver salvation.

That work falls to Joshua—and ultimately, to Jesus.

Joshua is the one who leads God’s people into their inheritance and gives them rest.

Typology in Action:

• Moses dies in the wilderness; Joshua leads into the Promised Land.
• The Law ends outside; Grace enters in.
• Moses couldn’t cross—but in the New Testament, on the Mount of Transfiguration, Moses stands in the Promised Land—because of Jesus.

1. Jesus Brings What the Law Could Never Finish

This is what Hebrews 4 means when it says:

“If Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day later on.”

Joshua gave temporary rest. Jesus gives eternal rest.

“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

So now, just like Israel, we are standing on the edge of a new land. Not just land on a map—but a life of faith, obedience, and mission.

1. Commissioned to Go Forward

Joshua 1:10–18

Joshua tells the people, “Prepare. Get ready. In three days we’re crossing over.”

And their response?

“All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go.” (v. 16)

God had promised the land. Now it was time to believe, step forward, and obey.

They had to:

• Trust Joshua’s leadership
• Walk into battle
• Leave the wilderness mindset behind

1. Application: Jesus Is Still Leading His People In

• You can stay camped in fear, or you can cross in faith.
• You can trust the Law to diagnose you, or you can trust Jesus to deliver you.
• You can dwell in regret and failure, or you can follow the greater Joshua into your inheritance.

Final Thoughts:

Joshua begins with the death of Moses—because it marks the end of an era. But it’s also a foreshadowing of the resurrection era:

The Law has done its work. Now the Savior leads us in.

Call to Action:

• Are you still trying to earn what only grace can give?
• Are you camped in comfort, or crossing into calling?
• Are you ready to follow Jesus—not just as a Teacher, but as the One who brings you in?