Jesus, The Greater than Moses I. Prophets had indicated that one greater than Moses would be coming. A. In the New Covenant, Jesus brought in a better covenant than Moses. In the book of Hebrews, Christ is presented as the Pre-eminent One and the one Who established a new and better covenant.

1. Christ is seen as greater than: a. The Prophets (Heb. 1:1-3) b. The Angels (Heb. 1:4-2:18) c. Moses (Heb. 3:1-19) d. Joshua (Heb. 4:1-13) e. Aaron (Heb. 5:14-7:18) f. Abraham (Heb.7:7) g. The Law (Heb.7:19ff.)

2. The New Covenant is seen as better than the Old Covenant (Heb. 8:7-13; 11:40). The New Covenant is better because it has: a. Better Revelation (Heb. 1:1-4) b. Better Hope (Heb. 7:19) c. Better Priesthood (Heb. 7:20-28) d. Better Covenant (Heb. 8:6)

e. Better Promises (Heb. 8:6) f. Better Blood (Heb. 9:11-14). g. Better Sacrifices (Heb. 9:23) h. Better Possessions (Heb.10:34) i. Better Country (Heb. 11:16)

B. In the New Covenant, Jesus is seen as the greater than Moses. 1. This was foretold by Moses (Deut. 18:15, 18; Acts 3:22-23; 7:37). 2. This was confirmed by the prophets (Acts 3:24). 3. This was anticipated by the people (Mark 6:15; John 1:21, 25).

4. This was fulfilled in Jesus (Mt. 21:10- 11; Luke 7:16; 24:19-21; John 1:45; 7:40). a. Jesus was the greater than the temple (Mt. 12:6; Ps. 68:35). b. Jesus was the greater than Jonah (Mt. 12:41; Mark 8:31). c. Jesus was the greater than Solomon (Mt. 12:42; I Cor. 1:24, 30; Col. 2:3).

d. Jesus was the greater than Abraham (John 8:52-59; Heb. 7:4-8). e. Jesus was the greater than Jacob (John 4:12-14). f. Jesus was the greater than Moses (Heb. 3:1-6).

II. Jesus was similar to Moses in many ways. As can clearly be seen Moses was a type of Christ. A. Both Moses and Jesus were miraculously preserved from the king’s wrath in their infancy (Ex. 2:1-10; Mt. 2:13-18). B. Both Moses and Jesus were anointed to be deliverers of God’s people (Acts 7:35; Rom. 11:26).

C. Both Moses and Jesus separated themselves to this high calling (Heb. 11:23-29; Luke 2:49). D. Both Moses and Jesus were empowered by God to challenge the forces of wickedness in their day (Ex. 3:1-4:9; Luke 4:14-15, 18-19). E. Both Moses and Jesus were signs and wonders ministries (Dt. 26:8; Acts 2:22).

F. Both Moses and Jesus were shepherds to God’s people (Num. 27:17; John 10:11). G. Both Moses and Jesus fasted for forty days (Ex. 34:28; Mt. 4:2). H. Both Moses and Jesus were meek and lowly of heart (Num. 12:3; Mt. 11:28- 29).

I. Both Moses and Jesus experienced a transfiguration on a mountain where the glory of God shone upon their faces (Ex. 34:35; Mt. 17:2). J. Both Moses and Jesus were used by God to build a spiritual house (Ex. 25:9; Mt. 16:18; Heb. 3:1-6). K. Both Moses and Jesus functioned as prophet, priest and king.

L. Both Moses and Jesus had a face to face relationship with God (Ex. 33:11; Num. 12:8; Deut. 34:10). M. Both Moses and Jesus were mediators of divine covenants (Heb. 8:5-6; 9:15; 12:24). N. Both Moses and Jesus were lawgivers in relation to that covenant (Ex. 24:12; John 7:19).

III. Jesus was greater than Moses for a variety of reasons. A. He was greater than Moses because Moses represented the shadow or the type and Jesus brought in the reality (Col. 2:16-17; Heb. 10:1). B. He was greater than Moses because He made the law honorable (Is. 42:21). C. He was greater than Moses because He internalized the law (Mt. 5:20).

D. In Christ the Mosaic Law is fulfilled and superceded (Mt. 5:17-18; Gal. 3:22-25; Rom. 8:1-4).

IV. Jesus laid out the laws of the kingdom that would form the basis of the New Covenant. A. He began by sitting on a mountain (Mt. 5:1). B. He gathered His disciples to Him (Mt. 5:1). C. He laid out the new laws that pertain to His kingdom (Matthew 5-7).

1. This included what is referred to as “The Beatitudes.” Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Moses law began with the giving of the Ten Commandment. Jesus’ giving of the law began with nine beatitudes.

a. A beatitude is a blessing. b. Each beatitude consists of three parts—a blessing, a condition and a promise. c. The beatitudes define the attitudes that must be worked into believers if they are going to be able to be the salt of the earth and light of the world (Mt. 5:13-16).

2. This included a redefinition of the Mosaic Laws. Notice the repeated phrase, “You have heard that it was said to those of old… But I say…” (Mt. 5:22, 28, 32, 34, 39, 44; Luke 6:27).

D. This included principles by which His kingdom would operate. His laws could be summarized in several principles. 1. Do not let hardness of heart rob you of God’s highest and best (Mt. 19:7-8). 2. Keep your heart pure and you will have no trouble keeping the spirit of the law (Mt. 15:18-19; Mark 7:18-23).

3. Take extreme measures when dealing with sin in your life (Mt. 5:29-30). 4. Keep your relationship with other people unclouded by offenses (Mt. 5:23-24; 6:14-15). 5. Always do more than is expected or required of you (Mt. 5:38-42). 6. Be generous with what God has given to you (Mt. 5:38-40; Luke 6:38).

7. Love all men and trust the Lord to be your defense and your reward (Mt. 6:19-21; 25-34). 8. Overcome evil with good (Mt. 5:44-48; Rom. 12:21). This means that we: Love your enemies. Bless those who curse you. Do good to those who hate you. Pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.

But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back…

And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you?

For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. Luke 6:32-36