Moses: A Foreshadowing of Jesus Christ

Greg Gilliam

We are first introduced to Moses in the second chapter of Exodus. His name means “drawn forth” or “taken out of the water.” Exodus 2:10 records, “...and she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water.” From the very beginning of his life, Moses was set apart by God for a special purpose.

As we study the life of Moses, we discover numerous parallels between him and the Lord Jesus Christ. Moses is often viewed as a type of Christ—a prophetic foreshadowing of the Savior who would come. Throughout the Old Testament, God masterfully points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfills prophecy and stands as the ultimate Deliverer, Prophet, and Mediator between God and humanity.

One of the earliest parallels is found in their infancy. Moses was born during a time when Pharaoh commanded that all Hebrew male children be killed at birth (Exodus 1). To preserve his life, his parents hid him until he could no longer be concealed. Likewise, when Jesus was born, King Herod sought to destroy Him. Warned by an angel, Joseph fled with Mary and the young Christ child into Egypt until the danger had passed (Matthew 2:13-15). In both cases, earthly rulers attempted to destroy God’s chosen deliverer.

Another similarity is seen in their experiences with temptation. Hebrews 11:24-26 tells us that Moses rejected the privileges and pleasures of Pharaoh’s palace, choosing instead to identify with God’s people and suffer affliction rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. Jesus likewise faced temptation directly when He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:1). Both demonstrated unwavering obedience to God despite opportunities to choose an easier path.

Moses and Jesus also shared a remarkable period of fasting. Exodus 34:28 records that Moses spent forty days and forty nights with the Lord without eating bread or drinking water while receiving the Law. Similarly, Jesus fasted for forty days and forty nights in the wilderness before beginning His public ministry (Matthew 4:2). These forty-day periods marked significant moments of preparation and communion with God.

The lives of Moses and Jesus also intersect in their encounters with the sea. In Exodus 14:21, Moses stretched out his hand over the Red Sea, and God miraculously divided the waters, allowing Israel to cross on dry ground. In Matthew 8:26, Jesus demonstrated His divine authority by rebuking the wind and the sea, bringing an immediate calm to a raging storm. Both revealed God’s power over the waters, though Jesus demonstrated authority as the very Son of God.

God used both Moses and Jesus to provide food for multitudes. During Israel’s wilderness journey, God supplied manna from heaven to sustain His people (Exodus 16). Centuries later, Jesus miraculously fed more than five thousand people with a few loaves and fishes, leaving twelve baskets of leftovers after everyone had eaten and was filled (Matthew 14:20-21). These miracles point to God’s abundant provision and ultimately to Christ as the Bread of Life.

Both men also endured constant criticism and complaints from those they served. Moses repeatedly faced the murmurings of the children of Israel. Exodus 15:24 records one of many examples: “And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?” Jesus likewise faced continual criticism from religious leaders who found fault with Him and His disciples (Mark 7:2). Despite opposition, both faithfully continued the work God had given them to do.

Neither Moses nor Jesus received much honor from those closest to them. Moses was criticized by his own brother and sister, Aaron and Miriam, because of his marriage (Numbers 12:1). Jesus experienced similar rejection, as John 7:5 states, “For neither did his brethren believe in him.” Both understood the pain of being misunderstood and rejected by family members.

Perhaps one of the greatest parallels between Moses and Christ is their role as intercessors. Throughout the Exodus account, Moses repeatedly cried out to God on behalf of the people. When Israel complained, rebelled, or faced hardship, Moses continually sought God’s mercy and intervention. When the people murmured at the Red Sea, Moses cried unto the Lord. When they thirsted in the wilderness, Moses cried unto the Lord. When Miriam was struck with leprosy, Moses prayed, “Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee.” Even when the nation rebelled and sought to return to Egypt, Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before God on behalf of the congregation.

An intercessor is one who intervenes, pleads, or acts as a mediator on behalf of another. Moses faithfully fulfilled this role for Israel, but he ultimately points us to a greater Intercessor—the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ accomplished what no earthly mediator could ever achieve. Through His death, burial, and resurrection, He paid the penalty for sin. By faith in Him, we experience forgiveness, newness of life, and a right standing before God. Through Christ, believers are granted access into the very presence of God. As Jesus declared in John 14:6, “No man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

Unlike Moses, whose ministry eventually ended, Jesus lives forever and continues His ministry of intercession today. Hebrews 7:25 declares, “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Likewise, 1 John 2:1 reminds believers, “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”

The Greek word translated “advocate” is parakletos, meaning one called alongside to help, an intercessor, counselor, or advocate who pleads another’s cause. This same word is also used in reference to the Holy Spirit, who comforts, guides, strengthens, and assists believers in their walk with God.

As remarkable as Moses was, his life ultimately points beyond himself to Jesus Christ. Moses delivered Israel from Egyptian bondage; Jesus delivers mankind from the bondage of sin. Moses mediated the Old Covenant; Jesus established the New Covenant through His blood. Moses interceded for a nation; Jesus intercedes for all who come to God through faith in Him. The more we study Moses, the more clearly we see the greatness of the One whom Moses foreshadowed—the Lord Jesus Christ.