How does Christ surpass Moses?
What does "greater glory than Moses" teach about Christ's role in salvation?

Setting the Scene

Hebrews 3:3 begins, “For Jesus has been counted worthy of greater glory than Moses…”

• Moses was revered as Israel’s deliverer and lawgiver, yet the verse immediately lifts Jesus above him.

• The comparison is not hostile to Moses; it simply spotlights how salvation’s ultimate fulfillment outshines its foreshadowings.


Why Moses Mattered, Yet Fell Short

• Moses led Israel out of Egypt—an earthly rescue that pictured spiritual deliverance.

• He received God’s law, revealing sin but unable to remove it (Romans 3:20).

• He interceded for the nation, but his priestly role was limited: he could plead, not atone.

Numbers 20:12 shows Moses himself needed mercy; he could not enter Canaan because of disobedience.


Christ’s Superior Glory

• Builder, not just resident: Hebrews 3:3 continues that the “builder of a house has greater honor than the house.” Jesus designs, owns, and sustains God’s household—people redeemed by grace.

• Eternal Son, not servant: verse 5 says, “Moses was faithful as a servant… but Christ is faithful as a Son over God’s house” (portion). Authority flows from relationship, not assignment.

• Mediator of a better covenant: John 1:17 notes, “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” Grace accomplishes what law exposed.

• Perfect sacrifice: Moses offered animals on altars; Jesus offered Himself once for all (Hebrews 10:10).


Implications for Our Salvation

• Complete atonement—no repeated sacrifices. His single act secures eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12).

• Direct access—no earthly mediator required; He is the “one mediator between God and men” (1 Timothy 2:5).

• Transforming righteousness—2 Corinthians 3:9 says, “How much more glorious is the ministry of righteousness!” Law engraved on stone becomes life written on hearts.

• Unshakeable assurance—Ephesians 2:8 begins, “For by grace you have been saved through faith…” Salvation rests on Christ’s finished work, not on our law-keeping.


Connection Points in Scripture

John 14:6: “I am the way and the truth and the life.” The greater glory means Jesus alone opens the path to the Father.

Hebrews 12:2: “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…” As author, He initiates salvation; as perfecter, He brings it to completion.

Revelation 5:12 affirms heaven’s chorus: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain…” The worship of eternity centers on the One with greater glory than Moses.


Summing It Up

Moses’ story foretells deliverance, law, and covenant. Jesus embodies and surpasses each theme—Deliverer who rescues from sin’s slavery, Lawgiver who writes righteousness within, and Covenant-Maker whose blood secures everlasting life. The phrase “greater glory than Moses” teaches that salvation’s hope rests fully in Christ’s superior person, work, and eternal reign.

How does Hebrews 3:3 emphasize Jesus' superiority over Moses in our daily lives?
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