Well, this was what Joshua was experiencing in this story. And the answer to this condition is about to be presented to us with great clarity! Let’s notice what happened to Joshua:
At first, the Lord rebuked Satan and said that Joshua was “a stick snatched from the fire.” This is what happened to you and me at the cross as Jesus saved us from the flames of hell.
But this is not all that Jesus did on the cross. Notice this amazing thing that happened next:
(4) The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes.” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put fine garments on you.” (5) Then I said, “Put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him, while the angel of the LORD stood by (Zechariah 3:4-5 NIV).
Question 3. How was Joshua’s sin, as illustrated by his “filthy clothes” dealt with?
This passage illustrates the gospel and how human beings become clean. Think of it: God removed your sin from you, like it was a dirty garment, and hung it up on the cross. Notice the words in verse 4: “See, I have taken away your sin!”
Oh friend, look up at the cross and hear this good news yourself today: “See, I have taken away your sin!” “See, I have canceled your record of debt!” “See, I have removed your filthy clothes from you!” Looking at the cross, can you see that you, as a believer, have no sin on you anymore?
I remember reading about a worker in a mine who fell ill and could not go to work. Unfortunately, all his sick leave had been used up, and if he could not work he would be fired. His identical twin brother heard of his condition, came over, put on the dirty clothing of his brother, and went to work in his place.
This is what Jesus has done for you, friend. Your brother (Hebrews 2:11-12) has taken your “dirty clothing” of sin, put them on Himself and went to work on the cross for you.
But there is more good news: the angel goes on to say, “…and I will put fine garments on you.” Then I said, “Put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him…”
Question 4. What was the putting on of a clean turban and fine clothes supposed to represent?