What New Testament connections can be made to Moses' role in Exodus 24:2? Setting the Scene “Moses alone is to approach the LORD, but the others are not to come near. And the people are not to go up with him.” (Exodus 24:2) What Stands Out about Moses in Exodus 24:2 • He alone ascends the mountain—exclusive access • He represents the entire nation—covenant mediator • He receives God’s word face-to-face—revelation bearer These elements echo throughout the New Testament, pointing to the greater Mediator, Jesus Christ. Exclusive Access Fulfilled in Christ • 1 Timothy 2:5—“For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” • John 14:6—“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Unlike Israel, where only Moses could come near, every believer now comes through the one Mediator. From Sinai to Zion—The Book of Hebrews • Hebrews 9:19-22 recalls Moses sprinkling blood on the people and the book, then declares Christ entered “the greater and more perfect tabernacle” with His own blood (9:11-12). • Hebrews 12:18-24 contrasts the fear of Sinai with the joy of “Mount Zion… Jesus the mediator of a new covenant.” Moses’ solitary ascent foreshadows Jesus’ solitary sacrifice, opening the mountain of God to all who believe. Mountain Moments in the Gospels • Matthew 5:1—Jesus goes up a mountain to deliver the Sermon on the Mount, giving the law’s true intent, much as Moses received the law. • Matthew 17:1-3—at the Transfiguration, Moses appears with Elijah, affirming Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. • Mark 3:13—Jesus “went up on a mountain and called those He wanted,” echoing the mediator who summons people into covenant relationship. High-Priestly Parallels • Exodus 24:2 pictures Moses entering God’s presence; Hebrews 4:14-16 depicts Jesus as the great High Priest who has “passed through the heavens.” • Where Moses could go alone, Hebrews 10:19-22 invites every believer to “draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith,” because Christ has opened the way. Covenant Ratification: Blood of Sprinkling • Exodus 24:8—Moses sprinkles blood to seal the covenant. • Matthew 26:28—Jesus: “This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” • Hebrews 12:24 speaks of “the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.” Moses’ act previews the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ. Summary Connections • Sole Mediator—Moses temporarily, Christ permanently (1 Timothy 2:5). • Mountain Revelation—Sinai anticipates Sermon on the Mount and Transfiguration. • Blood Covenant—animal blood versus Christ’s own blood (Hebrews 9:12). • Access to God—restricted under Moses, freely granted in Jesus (Hebrews 10:19-22). Moses’ solitary ascent in Exodus 24:2 points forward to the solitary work of the Son of God, who climbed a hill called Golgotha, entered the heavenly sanctuary, and opened the way for all who trust Him to “approach the throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16). |
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