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Introduction
Moses, who talked to God face to face, was, and is still today, highly regarded in both Judaism and Christianity – and for good reason.
When it comes to Moses and his writing of the Pentateuch, Jesus had this to say:
“Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me; for he wrote of me.” – John 5:45-46
The name of Moses, or Moshe in Hebrew, means “to draw out,” as Pharaoh’s daughter drew him out of the Nile (Exodus 2:10). Yeshua’s Name means “Yahweh saves” or “the LORD saves,” as Jesus, also in parallel, draws out of the world a people for Himself known as the church or the bride of Christ.
Moses’ Prophecy of Yeshua
God, through Moses, prophesied of Jesus:
“I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.” – Deuteronomy 18:18-19
When Christ met the Samaritan woman at the well, He confirmed that He was the Messiah in fulfillment of Moses’ prophecy.
“The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet… The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.” – John 4:19, 25-26
In Greek, “am He” is 1510 εἰμί “eimi” meaning “I exist” or “I AM,” which is the Name that God gave of Himself to Moses at the burning bush:
“And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you.” – Exodus 3:14
When it came to the Messiah being not only the Prophet that God, through Moses, said would come, Yeshua used this same Name to confirm His deity to the Pharisees:
“Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.” – John 8:58
Using the same method as we did in Elisha and Yeshua: Parallels – Part 1 and Elisha and Yeshua: Parallels – Part 2, we will be looking into the parallels of the lives and ministries of Moses and Yeshua with additional commentary and supporting Scriptures, and in some cases offering extended applications.
Parallel #1
The first parallel is both of their lives were threatened as infants.
Moses: Moses, as well as every Israelite male that would be born in Egypt, was to be executed after birth.
“And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah: And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live.” – Exodus 1:15-16
Yeshua: King Herod thought his kingdom was in jeopardy and intended to kill the baby Jesus who was to be King of the Jews (Matthew 2:1-18).
“Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.
“Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.” – Matthew 2:16-18
Extended Application: Because of the threat to Yeshua’s life, both Moses and Yeshua spent time in Egypt as children.
Parallel #2
The second parallel, building upon the first, is that of fleeing.
Moses: Moses fled from the face of Pharoah into the land of Midian after killing an Egyptian who was abusing a fellow Israelite.
“And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren. And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand.
“And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow? And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known.
“Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well.” – Exodus 2:11-15
Yeshua: Because His life was threatened, Jesus had to – somewhat ironically and certainly providentially – flee into Egypt with His family after King Herod wanted to destroy the King of the Jews (Matthew 2:1-18).
“And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
“When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.” – Matthew 2:13-15
Parallel #3
The third parallel is that both Moses and Yeshua gave up great riches to serve God’s people.
Moses: Moses was raised in the court of Pharaoh and had much wealth at his disposal.
“By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.” – Hebrews 11:24-26
Yeshua: Jesus willingly and lovingly gave up the riches and glory that He had eternally as the Son of God for our salvation.
“For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” – 2 Corinthians 8:9
Parallel #4
The fourth parallel is that both were called to be the voice of God to God’s people.
Moses: Moses was commissioned by God to be His spokesman to His people Israel.
“Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.” – Exodus 4:12
“And Moses went up unto God, and the Lord called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel… And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the Lord commanded him. And all the people answered together, and said, All that the Lord hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the Lord.” – Exodus 19:3, 7-8
Yeshua: Yeshua was and is the Word of God communicating to mankind in the Name of His Father.
“Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.”- John 5:19
“For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” – John 6:38
“Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works… He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me… But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do.” – John 14:10, 24, 31
Parallel #5
The fifth parallel is the voice of God calling Moses and Yeshua in the presence of His people.
Moses: Moses was spoken to by God in the hearing of the priests and seventy elders of Israel on Mount Sinai when they actually saw God in a theophany.
“Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel: And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness.
“And upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand: also they saw God, and did eat and drink. And the Lord said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them.” – Exodus 24:9-12
Additionally, we learn that the entire congregation of Israel heard the voice of God:
“And the Lord spake unto you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude; only ye heard a voice. And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone… Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the Lord spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire… Out of heaven he made thee to hear his voice, that he might instruct thee: and upon earth he shewed thee his great fire; and thou heardest his words out of the midst of the fire.” – Deuteronomy 4:12-13, 15, 36
Yeshua: At the baptism of Jesus, when Christ came out of the water and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him as a dove…
“… lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” – Matthew 3:17
At the transfiguration, the calling of Yeshua was confirmed in the presence of Peter, John, and James.
“… behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.” – Matthew 17:5
After the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, and speaking of His soon-coming sacrifice on the cross, Jesus said:
“Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.” – John 12:27-28
Parallel #6
The sixth parallel is that of being challenged by the leadership of Israel.
Moses: Moses was challenged on several occasions by the leadership of Israel. The rebellion of Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and the 250 princes of the assembly being the most memorable in Numbers 16.
“And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the Lord?…
“And they took every man his censer, and put fire in them, and laid incense thereon, and stood in the door of the tabernacle of the congregation with Moses and Aaron. And Korah gathered all the congregation against them unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the glory of the Lord appeared unto all the congregation.” – Numbers 16:3, 18-19
Needless to say, it did not end well for these rebellious men!
Yeshua: Jesus was challenged repeatedly by the Jewish religious leaders. Here is one of many examples found in the gospels that can be found just within Mark 11:27 through Mark 12:34.
“And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders, And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things?” – Mark 11:27-28
Yeshua asked the chief priests, scribes, and elders if John the Baptist’s ministry was from God or from men, and the Pharisees found themselves in quite the predicament. Therefore, they answered Him…
“We cannot tell. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.” – Mark 11:33
Parallel #7
The seventh parallel is that of being challenged and criticized by siblings.
Moses: The leadership of Moses was challenged by his brother Aaron and sister Miriam.
“And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. And they said, Hath the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the Lord heard it.” – Numbers 12:1-2
The rest of the story is that Aaron and Miriam were called by God to the door of the Tabernacle, and Miriam instantly became leprous and was shut out of the congregation for seven days. This development suggests that Miriam was the instigator of her and her brother’s rebellion against Moses’ leadership and their scorn of the wife of Moses.
Yeshua: Jesus’ brothers rebelled against Him by not believing in who He claimed to be.
“Now the Jew’s feast of tabernacles was at hand. His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest. For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world. For neither did his brethren believe in him.” – John 7:2-5
Extended Application: Yeshua was also rebelled against by His friends, in much the same way that His brothers had.
This event happened after Jesus had ordained the 12 disciples…
“And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread. And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself.” – Mark 3:20-21
Parallel #8
The eighth parallel is the meeting of a woman at a well and of her becoming a bride.
Moses: Moses met his future bride, Zipporah, at a well in Midian:
“Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock. And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.
“And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How is it that ye are come so soon to day? And they said, An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and also drew water enough for us, and watered the flock. And he said unto his daughters, And where is he? why is it that ye have left the man? call him, that he may eat bread.
“And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave Moses Zipporah his daughter.” – Exodus 2:16-21
Yeshua: In our introduction, we mentioned Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well who would become a part of His bride, the church.
After her testimony and listening to the message of Jesus for themselves, many Samaritans believed on Him and became future members of the bride of Christ. As Samaritans – being of both Israeli and Gentile descent – they represented the future bride of Christ so very well!
“The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?” – John 4:28-29
“And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.
“And many more believed because of his own word; And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.” – John 4:39-42
Parallel #9
The ninth parallel is that both Moses and Yeshua, as children, found favor with men through God’s sovereign providence.
Moses: Moses was destined to die at the orders of Pharoah, yet God’s favor was bestowed on him by the providential timing of Pharoah’s daughter spying the ark that Moses was in while she bathed in the Nile and taking him and raising him as her own child.
“And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash herself at the river; and her maidens walked along by the river’s side; and when she saw the ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it. And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews’ children…
“And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water.” – Exodus 2:5-6, 10
Yeshua: Jesus found favor with men when He was visited as a toddler by men from the East bearing gifts.
“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him…
“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.” – Matthew 2:1-2, 10-11
Extended Application: Just as Moses found favor from God in the Nile River, so, too, did Jesus find favor from the Father at His baptism in the Jordan River.
“And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water [of the Jordan river]: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” – Matthew 3:16-17
Parallel #10
The tenth parallel is that both Moses and Yeshua had favor with God and men.
Moses: Though Moses was often chided and challenged by Israel in their weakness, rebellion, and pride, he was also very well respected among God’s people, so much so that he was their judge in all matters.
“And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening.
“And when Moses’ father in law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even?
“And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to enquire of God: When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws.” – Exodus 18:14-16
Moses did relinquish much of his judgeship at the urging of his father-in-law, Jethro, but his leadership was legendary and his notoriety and respect is unquestioned to this day.
Yeshua: When Jesus was a twelve-year-old boy and His earthly parents discovered that He wasn’t present in their company on their way back home from visiting Jerusalem, they returned to Jerusalem and…
“… they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.” – Luke 2:46-47
“And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” – Luke 2:48-49
Afterward, it was noted that…
“… Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” – Luke 2:52
Parallel #11
The eleventh parallel is that Moses and Yeshua both had incredible intercessional compassion on their people.
Moses: Time and time again, the people of Israel rebelled against God and Moses to the point that God wanted to destroy Israel and begin again with Moses. This was never more evident than when Israel rebelled and sinned with the golden calf.
But Moses, as the man God knew him to be, interceded on behalf of God and His people, showing a Christ-like compassion.
“And the Lord said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people: Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.
“And Moses besought the Lord his God, and said, Lord, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand? Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people. Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it for ever.
“And the Lord repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.” – Exodus 32:9-14
Though God knew Moses would intercede on Israel’s behalf, Moses did not know that he had it in him until God put him to the test. Please see Does GodRepent? that helps explain why these situations happen in relation to the plans of God and the maturing of the people of God.
Yeshua: No man has ever had more intercessional compassion on behalf of God’s people than the Son of God. Volumes have been written regarding what God, through the sacrifice of His Son, has done to bring mankind back to Himself.
“Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” – Romans 8:34
“But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” – Hebrews 7:24-25
“For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:” – Hebrews 9:24
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;”– 1 Timothy 2:5
“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:” – 1 John 2:1
Extended Application: Even before His loving sacrifice for sins, Jesus always recognized His people’s need for Him.
“And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.” – Mark 6:34
Parallel #12
The twelfth parallel is bread from heaven.
Moses: God told Moses that He would provide for Israel bread from heaven to sustain the Israelite community during their wilderness wanderings.
“Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no…”
“And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground. And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the Lord hath given you to eat.” – Exodus 16:4, 14-15
Yeshua: Jesus is that bread that came down from heaven!
The people of Israel declared to Yeshua that…
“Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.
“Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
“Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.
“And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” – John 6:31-35
Elaborating even further, Jesus said:
“I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.
“This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” – John 6:48-50
Extended Application: Like Moses – and as we noted earlier of Jesus’ compassion in Mark 6:34 – Yeshua would satisfy the temporary need of sustenance that resulted in the miraculous provision of bread for His people.
“He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes. And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass. And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties.
“And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all. And they did all eat, and were filled.
“And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes. And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men.” – Mark 6:38-44
Parallel #13
The thirteenth parallel is Moses and Yeshua’s shepherding God’s people.
Moses: Moses, through God for 40 years, shepherded God’s people.
“Thou leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.” – Psalm 77:20
Yeshua: Jesus is the Good Shepard (John 10:1-18)!
“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” – John 10:11
He is, and He did, and we thank Him, love Him, and praise Him with all that we are!
May we all keep Answering the Call of The Great Commission, and giving an answer to every man and woman who so desperately needs Jesus and asks us, “Why Am I Here and What Is It All About?”
Love, grace, mercy, and shalom in Messiah Yeshua, and Maranatha!
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The post Moses and Yeshua: Parallels, Part 1 :: By Mark A. Becker appeared first on Rapture Ready.
