Hebrews Jesus Greater Than Moses – Hebrews 3

As we continue reading through the book of Hebrews we see the author adding point after point that Jesus is the pinnacle, center, and point of everything. As the son of God, He is the better messenger (Chapter 1). As the son of God in the flesh, He restores what mankind lost in Adam (Chapter 2). Now in chapter three we see him compared with Moses.

Moses of course was one of the greatest men of God in the Old Testament. The nation of Israel is descended from their Father, Abraham. They were delivered from the bondage of Egypt and made into a nation by Moses. It was Moses that gave them the law and their religion. The writer does not denigrate Moses, but acknowledges that Jesus is greater.

Concerning Moses, we read that he was faithful in God's house – as a servant. Jesus however is said to be faithful OVER God's house as a son. Hence Jesus is worthy of more glory than Moses. The writer compares this to the house verses the builder/architect of the house.

It is amazing to reduce this comparison of such great persons into 6 verses, but that is what the writer does. Yet, the comparison actually runs throughout the whole book of Hebrews. Through Moses, Israel received the 'old covenant'; through Jesus we received the new covenant. Under Moses Israel built a tabernacle to worship God and have the 'presence' of God dwell among them; under Jesus we as God's people are made a dwelling place for God. Under Moses Israel was authorized to offer animal sacrifices for their sins; Jesus offered himself to purge our sins and our consciences. Moses introduced the priesthood of Aaron unto Israel; Jesus is made an eternal high priest after the order of Melchizedek.

Greater than Moses is here! Yet, interestingly for Christians is the fact that Moses is in complete agreement with taking such a lesser role. When Jesus was transfigured on the mount, it was Moses and Elijah that appeared and discussed His 'departure' (death). Moses would say, as did John the Baptists, "He must increase and I must decrease".

Jesus is worthy of glory, honor and praise; let us then hold fast our confidence and our boasting in Him.

Hugh DeLong