Jesus Is Better Than Moses

For the First Century Jew, Moses was the foundation for their faith and their greatest hero. He was a prophet and spokesman for God who gave Israel the Torah (first 5 books of the Bible). He was their deliverer who led them out of Egypt and through the Red Sea. And he was the leader that took them to the Promised Land. For Jewish people, the life, work, and theology of Moses was the foundation for their whole identity as a people. The Jews who were following Jesus were accused of leaving Moses to embrace a different rescuer and, therefore, a different religion. As a result they were being persecuted. But the author of Hebrews shows us that Moses was just a brick in the wall, a servant in the house. Jesus is actually the builder of the whole house that is Israel, and is the ultimate apostle and high priest. More important, to rightly understand Moses is to realize that his life, ministry, and writings were pointing forward to Jesus who is worthy of more glory than Moses. Today this is a reminder to be careful about our influences. We often have received our philosophy, values, and even identity from influential people. Whether we have been shaped by ancient philosophers, celebrities, or politicians and political pundits, the call of this passage is to consider Jesus, who is the Apostle and High Priest of our faith and confession. For those who know Him and hold fast to their hope, they will discover a better identity and a sure world view.