THE GREATER MOSES

HEBREWS 3

He was faithful to the One who appointed Him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house

(Hebrews 3:2).

Moses was set aside by God to inaugurate the old covenant in its definitive form at Mount Sinai. For the Jews, Moses was the greatest of the prophets and the greatest mediator between God and man. Writing to Jewish Christians who were continually badgered by the Jews and the Judaizers, the author of Hebrews wants to establish that the Son is greater than Moses.

Like Moses, Jesus administered the house of God. Moses was “faithful in all God’s house,” writes the author of Hebrews. Now Moses did sin at one point and was not allowed to enter the Promised Land, but a contrast between Moses the sinner and Jesus the perfect man is not what the author of Hebrews is getting at. Moses, he says, was faithful, and so was Jesus. But Moses was faithful as a servant, while Jesus was faithful as the Son. Moses was a faithful steward, managing the household until the Son should come and take over (Hebrews 3:2–6).

Moses was the supreme prophet who brought the Word of God to the people (Exodus 19–24). He was the greatest priest of Israel, who instituted the Aaronic priesthood and the whole sacrificial system (Leviticus 8–9). He was the greatest leader, the supreme judge, the model for all the judges and kings who came later.

But in all these things, Moses was only a servant. His prophetic work did not bring the final Word from God but rather a system of laws, types, and prophecies. The priestly system he inaugurated did not take away sin but pointed forward to the Son, who would take away sin once for all. Moses’ rule as leader of God’s people did not last forever but looked to the permanent lordship of the Son to come. Thus, the house Moses administered was not the final house of God, but it was a symbolic house that anticipated the church of the new covenant.

Yet, Moses’ house was still God’s house, and those who rebelled against him were thrown out of the house. Those who refused to hear the new covenant brought by Moses perished in the wilderness. Just so, those who rebel against the greater house of Jesus, who refuse to hear the final new covenant, will receive the same punishment (Hebrews 3:7–14).

CORAM DEO

Isaiah 37–38

Philippians 3

The evangelical church is becoming increasingly driven by personalities. When they fail, as they inevitably will, people are crushed. Be certain that your hope and trust are in Christ and Christ alone. Thank Him for the certainty we have that He will never fail.

For further study: Exodus 18 • Psalm 95 • 2 Corinthians 3:7–18

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october