Moses, leader of the Israelites, said God would raise up “a prophet like me,” and the people should listen to him (Deuteronomy 18:15, Acts 7:37). What similarities and differences are there between Moses and Jesus?
*Pharaoh destroyed infant boys at the time of Moses’ birth.
King Herod destroyed infant boys at the time of Jesus’ birth.
Baby Moses was saved from death while in Egypt.
Baby Jesus was saved from death while in Egypt.
*Moses did miraculous signs and wonders in Egypt as sent by the Lord (Deuteronomy 34:10-12).
Jesus performed many miracles during His lifetime on earth.
Moses brought the Law from God to the people (Exodus 34:4, 29).
Jesus came to fulfill the law (Matthew 5:17).
Moses was learned in all the wisdom of Egypt (Acts 7:22).
Jesus was learned in all the wisdom of God (Luke 2:52).
Moses’ countenance reflected God’s glory (Exodus 34:29, 2 Corinthians 3:7).
Jesus is the Lord of glory (John 11:4, Philippians 2:10-11, Hebrews 13:21).
Moses taught all of the Law (Leviticus 19 ff.).
Jesus taught about the kingdoms of God and heaven (Matthew 6:33, Mark 1:14-15; 10:14-15, 23-27) (Matthew 13:11, 24-52; 18:1-4, 23).
The Israelites rebelled against Moses (Numbers 16:1-3, Hebrews 3:16).
The Jews rejected Jesus (Matthew 21:42, Mark 8:31, Luke 17:25).
Moses’ teachings are veiled to the unrepentant (2 Corinthians 3:15; 2 Timothy 3:8).
Jesus’ words are veiled to the unrepentant (2 Corinthians 4:3-4).
Moses was faithful as a prophet (Hebrews 3:5, Numbers 12:6-7).
Jesus is faithful as our High Priest (Hebrews 3:2).
*Miriam and Aaron doubted Moses’ leadership (Numbers 12).
Jesus’ family doubted Him, saying He was “out of His mind” (Mark 3:21).
The Israelites wanted to put Moses to death (Exodus 17:4, Numbers 14:10).
The religious leaders wanted to put Jesus to death (Matthew 14:5; 21:46, John 11:8)
Moses was called humble (Numbers 12:3).
Jesus was called meek (Philippians 2:8, Matthew 11:29; 21:5).
*Moses put a serpent up on a pole to save lives (John 3:14).
Jesus was put up on a cross to save lives (John 3:17).
Both Moses and Jesus will have songs sung about them (Revelation 15:3)
* ideas from Missions Mosaic magazine, “Prayer Patterns,” August 2014.