How does Moses' story in Acts 7:35 connect to Jesus' mission? Setting the Scene—Acts 7:35 “ ‘This Moses, whom they had rejected with the words, “Who made you ruler and judge?” is the one whom God sent to be their ruler and redeemer through the angel who appeared to him in the bush.’ ” Key Parallels Between Moses and Jesus • Rejected by their own people (Exodus 2:14; John 1:11) • Chosen and commissioned by God after rejection (Acts 7:35; Acts 2:36) • Called “ruler” and “redeemer”/“Savior” (Acts 7:35; Acts 5:31) • Mediators of a covenant sealed with blood (Exodus 24:8; Hebrews 9:15) • Confirmed by signs and wonders (Exodus 4:17; Acts 2:22) • Foretold in Scripture—“a Prophet like Moses” (Deuteronomy 18:15; Acts 3:22) A Rejected Deliverer Chosen by God • Israel’s dismissal—“Who made you ruler and judge?” (Exodus 2:14) mirrors later cries of “We do not want this man to reign over us” (Luke 19:14). • God’s answer is to exalt the rejected one. Just as the burning-bush encounter sent Moses back to Egypt with divine authority, the resurrection sent Jesus back to His disciples with “all authority in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). Ruler and Redeemer—Titles That Point to Jesus • Ruler: Moses led Israel out of bondage; Jesus rules a Kingdom that liberates from sin (Romans 6:17-18). • Redeemer: Moses’ Passover deliverance foreshadowed “the Lamb of God” whose blood redeems eternally (1 Peter 1:18-19). • Both roles converge at the cross—Jesus saves and reigns simultaneously (Revelation 5:9-10). How Moses’ Story Illuminates Jesus’ Mission 1. God’s pattern: rejection → exaltation → deliverance. 2. Salvation comes through the one God appoints, not the one people prefer. 3. The deliverer mediates a covenant sealed by sacrifice, leading the people into worship and promise. Living in the Light of the Greater Moses • Confidence: God can turn human rejection into His redemptive plan (Romans 8:28). • Submission: Receive Jesus as both Savior and Lord—the roles cannot be separated (Acts 3:19-23). • Mission: Like Moses, we are sent back to proclaim freedom to the captives (2 Corinthians 5:20). |
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