We have for several days been discussing Moses as a “picture” or a “foreshadowing” of Christ.

For example, Moses led the Jews to freedom, liberty … out from Egypt and toward Canaan. Jesus also … “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36

On one occasion a rebellious Israel was ready to “stone” Moses to death! “And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me.” (Exodus 17:4) Remember when the crowds also wanted to stone Jesus, attempted to do so in fact? “Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.” (John 8:59) “Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.” (John 10:31)

Moses was endowed with an extremely forgiving spirit. Even when Miriam and Aaron rose up against him, Moses was not bitter … but prayed for Miriam’s healing. (God had stricken her with leprosy for her bold words of accusation!) “And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee.” (Numbers 12:13) And Jesus’ forgiveness is monumental! On the Cross even, He prayed: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

Both Moses and Jesus are Biblically noted for their faithfulness! (See Hebrews 3:5 of Moses and then Revelation 3:14 of our Lord Jesus.)

Moses was a priest according to Psalm 99:6 … “Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name; they called upon the LORD, and he answered them.” Jesus was a Priest, too! Still is, in fact! “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.” (Hebrews 4:14)

Deuteronomy 33:4-5 calls Moses a King! And Jesus is born “King of the Jews!” (Matthew 2:2)

Moses was a judge as well, Exodus 18:13. And Jesus? “The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son.” (John 5:22)

Moses sent out 12 spies! Jesus sent out 12 Disciples!

Moses needed 70 helpers to aid in his administrative work. Jesus called 70 helpers to assist in preaching the Gospel! “After these things the Lord appointed other SEVENTY also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.” (Luke 10:1)

Moses had a few episodes of “holy anger.” So did Jesus … “And when he had looked round about on them with ANGER, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.” (Mark 3:5)

Moses fasted, as did Jesus!

Moses, on the Mountain, had a face that glowed! “And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses’ hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that THE SKIN OF HIS FACE SHONE while he talked with him.” (Exodus 34:29) And Jesus was “transfigured” on a mountain as well! See Matthew 17:2.

Moses washed the Priests of Israel with water. Jesus washed the feet of His Disciples with water!

Moses “finished” the work of the tabernacle, Exodus 40:33. And Jesus finished His Work, too. “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, IT IS FINISHED: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” (John 19:30)

Moses died, still a strong man, Deuteronomy 34:7. Jesus died, still crying “with a loud Voice!” (Matthew 27:50) Jesus voluntarily laid His Life down … for sinners to be saved!

Moses did not leave the Israelites “comfortless,” a capable successor had been trained (Joshua). Jesus did not leave his disciples “comfortless” either! “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.” (John 14:16, the Holy Spirit!)

Moses had to die before Israel could enter the Land of Canaan! “Moses my servant is dead; NOW therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.” (Joshua 1:2) Likewise Jesus had to die, before we could enter Canaan, the spirit filled Christian life! “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” (John 12:24)

One more … maybe.

Moses is recorded as having a “second coming” to earth, appearing with Jesus on the mount of transfiguration, over five centuries after Moses’ natural death! “And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.” (Matthew 17:3) So too will Jesus have a Second Coming to earth some day! “And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east.” (Zechariah 14:4)

Wow!

Clearly, Moses is a type of Christ!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell