Jesus > Moses
Hebrews 3:2-6
For he was faithful to God, who appointed him, just as Moses served faithfully when he was entrusted with God’s entire house.
But Jesus deserves far more glory than Moses, just as a person who builds a house deserves more praise than the house itself. For every house has a builder, but the one who built everything is God.
Moses was certainly faithful in God’s house as a servant. His work was an illustration of the truths God would reveal later. But Christ, as the Son, is in charge of God’s entire house. And we are God’s house, if we keep our courage and remain confident in our hope in Christ. [NLT]
Moses was certainly a righteous dude. He was revered in Judaism like no other. He talked face to face with God. I mean you can just sense his greatness from that penetrating stare in the above photograph unearthed by archaeologists in 1956. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.)
These persecuted Christians (addressed in the Letter to the Hebrews) were tempted to go back to the old ways of Moses and Law because it was what they formerly knew. And it was safer. At this time in the Roman empire, nationalistic religions, like Judaism, were actually tolerated. They posed no real threat, and were allowed side by side with the religions of the empire. Christianity was much more dangerous, and threatening to the powers that be.
Our author here tells them that Moses was just the warm-up act. Pointing to Someone far greater, as well as the inauguration of a “system” far superior to the old. We could even think of the Hebrew Scriptures (the Old Testament) as mere warm-up that points to the One through whom God would rescue all of humanity!
Moses, we see, was definitely someone to be looked up to, but only because of his faithfulness to God. Not for himself. You do not praise a piece of art more than the artist. The artist designed and made the piece of art.
Sticking with our example of warm-up acts, let’s just say that…I was the warm-up act for, ohhhhh, Jon McLaughlin. Sure, a few people may be entertained by my performance, but they will be far from satisfied. Then comes Mr. McLaughlin, and people are ecstatic to hear someone who can really play his instrument and sing, not only on key, but beautifully! No one in their right mind is gonna be like, “Bring Rob back out!” after seeing Jonny Mc”L”. After experiencing him, they’ll just want more of him. Don’t we all…
My job was to get the crowd ready and point to Jon. If I am admired at all, it should be for that reason. I fulfilled my role and did a great job of being replaced by Jon, who is the real talent.
Moses represents the Law (Torah) and the old covenant between God and His people. Jesus replaced Torah.
We revert back to the old inferior covenant when we make Christianity about things we have to do as opposed to Someone we need to love.
In the Name of Jesus,
Soli Deo Gloria