The comparison between Jesus and Moses is a significant theme in the New Testament, particularly in the Book of Hebrews. This comparison highlights the superiority of Jesus Christ over Moses, who is one of the most revered figures in the Old Testament. Moses is known as the lawgiver and the leader who delivered Israel from Egyptian bondage, but the New Testament presents Jesus as the fulfillment and culmination of the law and the prophets.

Moses as a Servant

Moses is celebrated as a faithful servant in God's house. He was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and to receive the Law on Mount Sinai. His role as a mediator between God and the people of Israel is foundational to the Jewish faith. In Hebrews 3:5, it is stated, "Now Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house, testifying to what would be spoken later."

Jesus as the Son

In contrast to Moses, Jesus is presented as the Son over God's house. Hebrews 3:6 declares, "But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are His house, if we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope of which we boast." This passage emphasizes the unique authority and position of Jesus as the Son, which surpasses that of Moses, who was a servant.

The New Covenant

Moses was the mediator of the Old Covenant, which was based on the Law given at Sinai. However, Jesus is the mediator of a New Covenant, which is established on better promises. Hebrews 8:6 states, "But now, Jesus has received a more excellent ministry, just as the covenant He mediates is better and is founded on better promises." This New Covenant, prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31-34, is characterized by an internal transformation and a direct relationship with God, made possible through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus.

The Promised Prophet

Moses himself spoke of a prophet like him who would come, as recorded in Deuteronomy 18:15: "The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to him." The New Testament identifies Jesus as this promised prophet, affirming His role as the ultimate revelation of God. In Acts 3:22-23, Peter cites this prophecy, applying it to Jesus and urging the people to listen to Him.

The Glory of Christ

While Moses experienced the glory of God on Mount Sinai, which caused his face to shine (Exodus 34:29-35), Jesus embodies the glory of God in His very nature. John 1:14 declares, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." This glory is intrinsic to Jesus as the incarnate Word, surpassing the reflected glory that Moses experienced.

The Rest of God

Moses led the Israelites toward the Promised Land, a place of rest, but he himself was not permitted to enter it. In contrast, Jesus offers a greater rest, a spiritual rest for the people of God. Hebrews 4:8-9 explains, "For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. There remains, then, a Sabbath rest for the people of God." This rest is available through faith in Christ, who provides eternal rest and peace with God.

Conclusion

The New Testament portrayal of Jesus as greater than Moses serves to affirm His divine authority, His role as the mediator of a superior covenant, and His fulfillment of the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament. Through these comparisons, believers are encouraged to hold fast to their faith in Christ, recognizing Him as the ultimate revelation and the source of eternal salvation.