In what ways does Exodus 34:9 connect to Jesus' role as intercessor? Setting the Scene: Moses’ Plea on Sinai Exodus 34 finds Moses back on the mountain after Israel’s golden-calf rebellion. God has just revealed His name and character (Exodus 34:6-7), and Moses responds: “If now I have found favor in Your sight, O Lord, let the Lord go in our midst, even though this is a stiff-necked people. Pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us as Your inheritance.” (Exodus 34:9) Four Elements of Moses’ Intercession 1. Presence: “let the Lord go in our midst” 2. Mercy for a sinful people: “pardon our iniquity and our sin” 3. Identification: Moses speaks of “our” sin, standing with the guilty rather than over them 4. Adoption: “take us as Your inheritance” — asking God to claim Israel as His own possession Jesus, the Greater Intercessor • Hebrews 7:25 — “He always lives to intercede for them.” • 1 Timothy 2:5 — “one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” • Romans 8:34 — He is “at the right hand of God—and He is interceding for us.” Point-by-Point Connections Between Exodus 34:9 and Christ • Presence Secured – Moses begged God to dwell among a sinful nation. – Jesus ensures God’s abiding presence through the Holy Spirit: “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever.” (John 14:16-17) • Perfect Mercy Provided – Moses asked for pardon; Christ provides it. “He had to be made like His brothers… to make atonement for the sins of the people.” (Hebrews 2:17) • Representative Identification – Moses identified with Israel’s guilt. – Jesus, though sinless, took on flesh (John 1:14) and “was tempted in every way, just as we are, yet was without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15) • People Claimed as God’s Inheritance – Moses prayed, “take us as Your inheritance.” – Through Christ we become “a people for His own possession” (Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 2:9). Why the Connection Matters Today • Confidence: Because Jesus’ intercession is continual and flawless, we can “approach the throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16). • Assurance: The same God who answered Moses has answered fully in Christ; our forgiveness is secure. • Identity: We live as God’s treasured inheritance, called to reflect His character to the world. |
    |