Jesus Greater than Moses
The writer of the book of Hebrews makes the case for the superiority of Jesus Christ over everyone and everything. The pastoral challenge was to convince his Jewish Christian audience that Jesus is supreme in every way. Having introduced high Christology in 1:1–4, the author then made his argument for Jesus being superior to the angels of God. In 3:1–6, the task is to convince his readers that Jesus is greater than the greatest of the Jewish leader/prophets.
Moses lived in the 15th century B.C. For some 430 years, the Hebrews had multiplied in the land of Goshen, located in the northeast Nile River delta of Egypt. They were enslaved to the dictator, Pharaoh. Under Moses’ leadership, the Israelites departed Egypt. He was their human deliverer, under the guidance of Yahweh the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Moses was a sinner; but he was appointed by God to confront Pharaoh and Egypt, as a type of the world system of oppression. Simply put, Yahweh placed Moses as a faithful servant in the position of king of the Israelites long before the era of Kings. He was also a prophet, a judge, and at times even a priest. As an intercessor and mediator, Moses served God on behalf of and for the benefit of the house of Israel. He was chosen by God for the roles he played; and he was sent by God as an apostle to God’s chosen people enslaved in Egypt. Moses’ message was both judgment and salvation.
Chapter three of the epistle to the Hebrews begins by connecting the readers to Jesus’ title as “merciful and faithful high priest” (Heb 2:17) Verse 1 keeps the high priest theme in view. Jesus is the subject of our Christian confession of faith. We believe in Him and the One who sent Him (Jn 14:1).
The Jews in Jesus’ time believed they were Abraham’s sons. They also believed they were disciples of Moses. It was necessary to show how Jesus was far more worthy of their identification and devotion.
Israel was a man, Jacob, the patriarch. His sons developed into tribes; and in Egypt they became a nation. As God’s holy nation of chosen people, Israel was set apart as a “house.”
The tabernacle/temple at Jerusalem was considered the physical house of Yahweh in the mist of the capitol city. When the people of Israel came up to the temple, they were in the house of God. The allusion to indwelling must be considered, along with the temporary nature of the stay. The end goal objective of the people of God is to dwell in the house of the Lord…forever.
As Christians, both Jew and Gentile, we are living stones in the Temple of God in the Spirit (Eph 2:20–22). This is Christ’s church, the called-out people from every nation, tribe, and tongue. Our calling as holy brethren, is heavenly. Thus, our focus is not on a building, a city, or a country that is earthly.
The true tabernacle of God is in the heavens, where Christ is seated in glory and majesty. This is the temple not made with human hands. God’s faithful ones are headed home for a permanent stay. Christ Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us. He will return to take us home, for our citizenship is in heaven, as is our reserved inheritance.
Moses serves as a type of Christ. He was a servant “in” the house of God. In the non-physical building sense of house, Moses gathered the enslaved people of God in order to take them “home” to the promised land of Canaan. Exodus history demonstrated the very challenging task it was/is to bring many sons to glory.
Houses, both physical and familial are built by someone. In Hebrews 1:4, building of every kind is ascribed to God Himself. Thus, all honor is directed to the builder of His church, Jesus Christ, the faithful Son of God “over” the house of God.
The writer of Hebrews considers Christians the house of God (Heb 3:6); and our boast to the end is the builder, who is the Head over the house, that is, Christ over His church. The prophet Isaiah identified Christ as the Israel of God, who would gather His people, also called the Israel of God (Is 49:1–6). Christ is the Head; and we are His body (Eph 1:22; 5:23; Col 1:18).
God was with Moses in the work assigned to him. Moses warranted the allegiance of the Hebrew people with whom He was entrusted to deliver. He proved faithful. Honor and glory have been given to Moses throughout the history of Israel.
Today, Christians, both Jew and Gentile, are called to follow Jesus Christ, the one and only Deliverer of His people from every people group. Christ’s church (Mt 16:18), the Israel of God (Gal 6:16), brings honor and glory to Jesus Christ above Moses. We understand Moses as the type and Jesus as the substance. Thus, our boast is in Jesus Christ (1 Cor 1:31; Gal 6:14), alone, who is indeed honored and glorified above everyone and everything else.
Whereas, the Hebrews troubled Moses at every juncture, let us learn from their bad example. The Son of God, apostle and great high priest, is building the house of God in our generation, in every place, even in our midst. Therefore, let us walk out of this world in obedient subjection to the One who came for us as people given to Him by God the Father (Jn 17:2, 6, 24; 2 Tim 1:9; Heb 2:13b).
Our confidence and confession are Jesus Christ, whose name is above every other name that is named (Eph 1:21), including Moses, who prophesied of one like himself to come (Dt 18:15–18). He came. He delivered. He is building. Are you in?
David Norczyk
Spokane Valley, Washington
May 14, 2024
Hebrews 3:1–6
