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Jesus Is The Greater Joshua
October 11, 2026 · 18 min
Joshua was responsible for ushering people into the promise land, toppling walls and armies to retrieve God’s blessing. Yet there is a greater commander than Joshua, who toppled greater walls, and leads us into a greater blessing. Sign up for special devotionals at StoriesoftheMessiah.com.As we dive deeply into iconic Bible heroes' enthralling narratives, we find more than just stories of faith and miracles. We discover a recurrent theme, a spiritual undertone that connects each tale to the grandeur of the Gospel.They're not just standalone legends; they're threads in a divine tapestry, weaving a story that foreshadows Jesus Christ, the ultimate hero, the promised Messiah who brings light to the darkest corners of history.For more Bible stories download the Pray.com app. To learn more about Rabbi Schneider visit https://discoveringthejewishjesus.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Series Stories of the Messiah with Rabbi Schneider
Rabbi Schneider is equipping the body of Christ, building the church, and evangelizing the world. From the Old and New Testament, learn the biblical roots of Christianity and Jesus' Jewish heritage.
October 11, 2026 · 18 min · Stories of the Messiah with Rabbi Schneider
Joshua was responsible for ushering people into the promise land, toppling walls and armies to retrieve God’s blessing. Yet there is a greater commander than Joshua, who toppled greater walls, and leads us into a greater blessing. Sign up for special devotionals at StoriesoftheMessiah.com.As we dive deeply into iconic Bible heroes' enthralling narratives, we find more than just stories of faith and miracles. We discover a recurrent theme, a spiritual undertone that connects each tale to the grandeur of the Gospel.They're not just standalone legends; they're threads in a divine tapestry, weaving a story that foreshadows Jesus Christ, the ultimate hero, the promised Messiah who brings light to the darkest corners of history.For more Bible stories download the Pray.com app. To learn more about Rabbi Schneider visit https://discoveringthejewishjesus.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. ...more Show the full description Show less Joshua was responsible for ushering people into the promise land, toppling walls and armies to retrieve God’s blessing. Yet there is a greater commander than Joshua, who toppled greater walls, and leads us into a greater blessing. Sign up for special devotionals at StoriesoftheMessiah.com.As we dive deeply into iconic Bible heroes' enthralling narratives, we find more than just stories of faith and miracles. We discover a recurrent theme, a spiritual undertone that connects each tale to the grandeur of the Gospel.They're not just standalone legends; they're threads in a divine tapestry, weaving a story that foreshadows Jesus Christ, the ultimate hero, the promised Messiah who brings light to the darkest corners of history.For more Bible stories download the Pray.com app. To learn more about Rabbi Schneider visit https://discoveringthejewishjesus.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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0:00 Let us pray. But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far off are made near in the blood of Christ. For he is our peace who made both0:11 1 and broke down the middle wall of separation. Ephesians 2 13 through 14. Dear heavenly father, we are humbled and grateful that0:23 you saw fit to break down the walls of division and bring unity where there was once estrangement. We pray, oh God, that you continually remind us of this0:35 beautiful truth, the harmony you desire among your children. May we extend the same grace, love, and mercy to others that you have generously0:47 poured upon us. May we bridge the gaps and foster unity in our homes, communities, and nations, reflecting the peace Christ brought us by breaking down the0:58 wall of hostility. May your spirit guide us in all we do and all we say, reminding us that we are no longer strangers and aliens, but members of your1:10 household knit together by your love. In Jesus's name, amen. Thank you for praying with me today. Stay tuned1:22 now for another episode of Stories of the Messiah with Rabbi Schneider.1:33 Night was approaching. Joshua positioned himself atop a nearby hill and rested in thoughtful silence. He peered intently at the great city of Jericho below. His gaze1:45 traveled across its formidable walls, estimating their height and width. He imagined the forces of Israel storming those barricades and shuddered. He saw nothing but doom.1:57 Assaulting the walls would mean feeding his soldiers to the enemy's arrows. Entering through the main gate was akin to marching willingly into a trap, and climbing over was unthinkable.
2:09 Avoiding the city wasn't an option either. The walls of Jericho had to crumble if they were to inherit the land promised by God. Joshua descended the hill with the sun's last
2:20 light casting long shadows behind him. The night soon became alive, speckled with the shimmering brilliance of stars. Then Joshua spotted a figure, a man
2:32 standing proudly a few yards ahead with a sword drawn. Joshua's hand instinctively moved towards his sword as he approached, asking with a cautious voice. Are
2:43 you friend or foe? The man, seemingly aloof to Joshua's question, replied. Neither. I am the commander of the Lord's armies. The words struck Joshua, sending him
2:55 sprawling onto his face in reverence. His voice was a whisper as he asked. What does the Lord command? Remove your sandals, Joshua. You stand on holy ground. And
3:07 so Joshua did. Old tales sprang up in his mind, recollections of Moses' encounter with God on sacred ground. At this moment, he understood God
3:19 himself was standing before him. Joshua listened carefully, his heart pounding in anticipation of his strategy. Yet what he heard next was beyond anything he would
3:30 have imagined. God had an unorthodox plan for liberation, a plan most would consider foolish. Joshua listened to every word, ready to topple the walls that kept
3:42 Israel from their promise.
3:49 Hello, and welcome to another episode of the Stories of the Messiah podcast. I'm Rabbi Kurt Schneider from Discovering the Jewish Jesus, here to guide you through some of the most iconic stories ever told. If
4:00 this podcast has blessed you thus far, please take a moment to leave us a comment and review. Doing so will make sure others discover these life changing stories. This season of stories of the Messiah is
4:12 called Jesus the Greater. Together, we have been traversing the peaks and valleys of the Bible's most famous characters. These people's lives were marked with tragedy, triumph, faith, and
4:24 failure. These heroes ultimately point us toward the greatest hero of all, Jesus. We have learned how Jesus is the greater Adam, Cain, Noah, Abraham, Jacob,
4:36 Isaac, Joseph, and Moses. Now we're about to journey to the edge of the promised land. After 40 years in the wilderness, the former slaves of Israel are ready to reenter the land God
4:48 promised them. But there's an obstacle in their way, Jericho. Their intimidating fortified walls represent the barriers in our lives that keep us from God's promises. Their leader
5:00 and commander Joshua will use unorthodox methods to defeat Jericho. His story of bravery and conviction will point us toward an even greater hero who went to great lengths to topple
5:11 barriers between God and us. Let's immerse ourselves now in a cinematic retelling of Joshua 6. I'll then be here to unpack this story for you and connect it to the gospel.
5:25 Dawn had broken, yet the sunlight was shrouded by the formidable silhouette of Jericho's walls. The citizens of Jericho were fortified inside, poised to fight if Israel dared to
5:36 attack. Leading his people, Joshua advanced towards the sun eclipse city, the Ark of the Covenant preceding them, escorted by 7 priests, each bearing a ram's horn. God
5:48 had given Joshua an unorthodox plan. He commanded them to march silently around the city walls 7 times with the Ark of the Covenant before them. The only sound was the haunting melody of the
6:00 priest's horns, a spiritual battle cry in the quiet. Jericho's people watched from above, puzzled yet relieved at the absence of attack. For 6 days, Israel's army
6:12 marched a lap around the city. Their silence was as unsettling as it was ominous. No battle cries rang out, no shield clashing or bellicose roars. Their swords
6:23 remained sheathed, but God was not idle. On the 7th day, the men rose with the sun, filling their lungs with the cool embrace of dawn. The
6:35 remainder of Israel watched as they readied themselves once more. With armor strapped and spears grasped, they advanced upon Jericho. This time, city of built by
6:52 city was the of city
7:06 Lord
7:06 the is is Lord. The Lord
7:10 The The
7:14 For the Lord
7:15 has delivered this city into your hands. Today, Jericho shall fall as a testament to God's might. Shout. And they did. A seismic roar erupted from the
7:27 Israelites' ranks, their battle cries and trumpet blasts sending shock waves through the earth. Their battle cries sounded like worship songs. As the haunting cries filled the air, the formidable stones of
7:39 Jericho's walls began quivering and cracking. The city's strong defenses crumbled to the rhythm of the roars. The ground shook as the mighty walls surrendered to God's command.
7:51 As the walls crumbled, terror echoed through the city. Amid the chaos, Joshua perched atop a fallen stone, sword raised, ordering his men. Take the
8:03 city, but refrain from acts that will tarnish your souls. Like a relentless tide, they surged into the city. Swords clashed and soldiers fell. The gruesome melody of war
8:15 echoed for miles, punctuated by the cries of the panicked city. Bloodstained streets bore testament to the harsh realities of war. Hours later, the eerie
8:26 silence declared the end. Joshua drew a breath of victory. Jericho lay in ruins before them. God delivered the land, bringing his people closer to the promised
8:38 land. God would break down any barrier that kept his people from him. He would topple any wall that separated them from the love and promises of God.
8:51 Israel had been in the wilderness for 40 years, and now a titanic city with fortified walls stood between them and the promises of God. Joshua, Israel's commander and leader, knew they
9:03 were outmatched, but God had a plan. You see, no army, wall, or obstacle could ever stand in the way of God. The Lord is faithful to remove any barrier keeping us from him.
9:15 The Lord gave Joshua unorthodox marching orders. The people of Israel were commanded to march around the wall for 7 days. Every time they marched, their swords were sheathed, and the Ark of the Covenant
9:27 walked in front, symbolizing that this was God's fight, not theirs. The Ark of the Covenant represented God's presence among the people. Therefore, as the Ark led the people in marching,
9:39 we are reminded that God was the real leader of Israel, not Joshua. God was the 1 who would go before the people and defeat the city. His power, top of the walls, stood between Israel and his promises.
9:52 At Discovering the Jewish Jesus, we are passionate about connecting the compelling stories of the Old Testament to the Messiah. The story of Joshua and the walls of Jericho foreshadows something greater
10:03 accomplished by Jesus. So let's go now to the retelling of John chapter 2, when Jesus passionately removes barriers between God and his people. Then we'll connect these 2
10:15 stories to see the greater picture.
10:19 The Passover season was upon them when individuals from across the region would gather near the temple to worship. The city was flooded with millions individuals who brought with them their
10:31 families, offerings, and prayers to be given to the Lord. It was a magnificent celebration of God's redemption of his people from the bondage of Egypt. It was also a
10:43 period of profound introspection. The men and women contemplated the vastness of God's love for them, appreciating their status as his chosen people, a holy nation. Amidst the swarm
10:55 of worshipers, Jesus made his way to the temple, its radiant apex visible from afar. It was Jesus' deep seated longing that every individual might find God at the heart of their
11:06 existence. Seeing Jews, Greeks, and people of all creeds and cultures united in worship warmed his heart. The heart of God yearned for all to seek his face without
11:18 barrier or hindrance. However, Jesus' countenance shifted as he temple courtyard had become a marketplace filled with people selling offerings
11:30 and bartering prices. Men offered oxen, pigeons, goats, and sheep, asserting at an outrageous expense. Money
11:48 that the
11:53 says the the the
12:07 the says Jesus' blood simmered with righteous indignation. The courtyard was sacred, a place for foreigners and Gentiles to worship, yet it was exploited by religious leaders to amass wealth.
12:20 A quiet, righteous rage stirred within Jesus, so potent that if he willed it, it could rain fire from heaven. He saw the money changers and peddlers bartering near the steps.
12:32 They were commercializing salvation, commodifying They not
12:37 They were in says
12:43 in
12:55 that the the nation, a haven for refugees and foreigners. No 1 willing to seek
13:07 his face in repentance should be denied his blessing. However, the priests appointed to embody God's heart succumb to corruption. Jesus would not tolerate any hindrance to
13:18 God's loving embrace. The foreigner would not be rejected, nor the poor be burdened with debt for a lack of grand sacrifice. He remembered king David's words, for you will not
13:30 delight in sacrifice, or I would give it. You will not be pleased with burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart, oh God, you will not
13:42 despise. With these words fueling his righteous anger, Jesus stood brandishing a whip made of cords. With a robust swing, he lashed out, hitting the
13:54 oxen, causing them to stampede, breaking their enclosures, overturning carts, and instigating panic. Jesus then strode over to the money changers. He lifted and flipped
14:05 their stone tables with divine strength, sending a tremor through the courtyard, coins scattered across the ground, causing the money changers to scramble desperately trying to retrieve their lost fortune.
14:18 Standing atop the temple steps, whip in 1 hand and a crate of doves in the other, Jesus had single handedly dismantled the temple's marketplace. Raising the crate, he smashed it to the
14:30 ground, 1 who
14:43 who is the their God, yet you have made it into a temple of greed. You have defiled my father's house, transforming a place of prayer into a marketplace.
14:55 Jesus made it his mission to topple any obstacle keeping people from the Lord. On the cross, he would make the ultimate sacrifice, breaking down the wall of separation between the people
15:07 and their creator.
15:13 Did you feel Jesus' passion in that story? Could you feel his anger toward the corrupt money changers and priests? The outer section of the temple was a sacred place meant for foreigners to come and
15:25 worship God. By making the outer course a place of commerce, the temple officials made a barrier between God and the people who desired to seek him. God the son, whose passion toppled the walls of
15:37 Jericho long ago, sought to remove those barriers by flipping the tables. God breaking the walls of Jericho and Jesus cleansing the temple communicate the same thing.
15:49 God will do whatever it takes to bring you close to him. Sin creates a barrier between God and us. Because of the corruption of sin, we can't be close to God. A wall exists
16:00 between us and the promises God has for us, promises of hope, eternal life, and righteousness. Just as Jesus violently drove out the money changers and overturned the tables,
16:12 he violently broke down the walls of sin on the cross. Ephesians 2 14 tells us that those who are far off from Christ have been brought near by his blood. He is our peace and broke down the walls of
16:24 hostility between us and God. Do you feel far from God today? Do you feel like barriers of sin, shame, and dysfunction keep you from him? Take comfort that Jesus went to great lengths to
16:36 restore you to himself. No sin is too strong or wall too wide for God's unstoppable love. Joshua may have led the people of Israel around the walls, but
16:48 God broke them down. In this way, we can confidently say that Jesus is the greater Joshua breaking down sin's barriers. Next time, join us as we explore 1 of the
16:59 Bible's most flawed characters, a man who despite his monstrous strength couldn't overcome his flesh. Join us for our next episode of Jesus the Greater to discover
17:11 how Jesus is the greater Samson. Explore more about Jesus in the Old Testament at discoveringthejewishjesus dot com. Also consider checking out my recent book, Messianic
17:23 prophecy revealed, seeing Messiah in the pages of the Hebrew Bible. You can get your hands on it via my website. If this podcast impacted you, please take a moment to leave a comment and review.
17:35 Doing so will make sure others discover these life changing stories. And be sure to download the Pray dot com app to make prayer a priority and experience the Bible in new ways.
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