In what ways does Hebrews 3:3 connect to Old Testament teachings about Moses? Setting the Scene with Hebrews 3:3 “For Jesus has been counted worthy of greater glory than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself.” Why Moses Matters So Much in the Old Testament • The LORD singled him out: “Not so with My servant Moses; he is faithful in all My house.” (Numbers 12:7) • He met God “face to face” and led Israel out of Egypt (Deuteronomy 34:10-12). • He received the Law, laid out the sacrificial system, and oversaw construction of the tabernacle (Exodus 25:9; 40:16). • He wrote of a future Prophet who would come after him (Deuteronomy 18:15-18). Linking Hebrews 3:3 to Those Old Testament Themes 1. Honor for Faithful Service • Hebrews 3:2 echoes Numbers 12:7, celebrating Moses’ faithfulness. • By citing that well-known accolade, the writer affirms Moses’ honored status before elevating Jesus. 2. Builder versus House • Moses helped build the earthly “house” (tabernacle, nation). • Jesus is called the “builder,” hinting at His divine role as Creator (Hebrews 3:4) and architect of the true spiritual house (Ephesians 2:19-22; 1 Peter 2:5). 3. Glory Reflected versus Glory Possessed • Moses’ face shone after meeting God (Exodus 34:29-30)—a reflected glory. • Jesus radiates inherent glory as “the radiance of God’s glory” (Hebrews 1:3). 4. Covenant Mediatorship • Moses mediated the old covenant of law and sacrifice (Exodus 24:6-8). • Jesus mediates a “better covenant” with His own blood (Hebrews 8:6; 9:15). • John pairs them: “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17) Prophetic Echoes Moses Himself Gave • Deuteronomy 18:15-18 points forward to a greater prophet; Hebrews identifies that One as Jesus. • Jesus affirms it: “If you believed Moses, you would believe Me, for he wrote about Me.” (John 5:46). Why the Comparison Matters for Us • Appreciating Moses’ greatness underscores how much greater Christ is. • The same unwavering faithfulness God commended in Moses is perfectly embodied—and surpassed—in Jesus. • Trust in Christ carries the full weight of all Moses foresaw, fulfilling every pattern, promise, and prophecy. Summing It Up Hebrews 3:3 reaches back to everything the Old Testament said about Moses—his faithfulness, his role in God’s house, his reflected glory, and his covenant leadership—and then shows that Jesus is the Builder behind it all, the One Moses anticipated, and the One who deserves “greater glory” because He is both Lord and fulfillment of every Mosaic shadow. |
    |