Following God Into the Wilderness

Chapter Five - Similes

We discussed in Chapter One (Understanding God’s Plan) the allegory between God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt, the trek through the wilderness and inheritance in the Promised Land as being comparable (analogous, akin, equivalent) with God’s judgment on rebellious man and the reconciliation of His people to Himself (after a walk of faith through the wilderness) in the Promised Land (new earth, new Jerusalem). God often speaks of His purposes indirectly and uses some event to foreshadow others – a mystery. Jesus often spoke the mysteries (hidden wisdom) of the kingdom of God through parables (Ps 78:2-4, Mt 13:13, 34-35). A parable is a simple story dealing with a very real circumstance (situation, fact, event) in which the principal subject is described by another subject resembling it in its properties and circumstances. The principal subject is thus kept out of view, and one is left to ponder the intentions (meaning, objective, purpose) of the speaker. A parable will often say something the flesh does not want to hear (receive) in such a way as to defuse (neutralize, disarm) personal objection (people tuning out their attention or focusing on their objection), or prejudice and hold the attention of the hearer and convey the message (which is pondered in their hearts for an extended period). Some truths within the message are meant to be divinely revealed to those who sincerely seek the meaning. Jesus said: Matthew 13:13-15, “Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias (Is 6:9-10, 44:18), which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them (restore).” Those not sincerely (genuinely) seeking to know and live God’s Word will never understand the true meaning – their flesh won’t allow it. They will not receive it due to their priorities to their flesh (self). The only way one will ever truly understand is when they seek to do God’s will above all else. John 7:16-17, “Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know (understand) of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” Hosea 12:10, 13, “I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes (comparison, simile), by the ministry of the prophets. And by a prophet (Moses) the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet (Moses) was he preserved. A simile is a comparison of two things which, however different in other respects, have some strong point or points of resemblance; by which comparison, the character or qualities of a thing are illustrated or presented in an impressive light. Consider: Moses was a prophet sent of God to deliver His people from rebellious Pharaoh and Egypt and bring (reconcile) them to the Lord. Similarly, Jesus was a prophet (also a Son, King and High Priest). Jesus was sent to deliver His people from the rebellious Satan and the world and bring (reconcile) them to God. Thus it was said (prophesied, foretold) of Jesus: Acts 3:22-23, “For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people (also Deut 18:15-19).” God (the Father) said: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him” (Mt 17:5). When God says, “hear ye Him,” its time to listen! – He’s speaking God’s Words. This chapter will detail the similes that have been discussed throughout this book. Most of the things contained in this chapter have been prior discussed. The intent is to have a concise (summarizing, to the point) listing and record of similitude between God’s dealings with the children of Israel (via Moses), and God’s dealings with Israel and all other nations (via Jesus, the Son).

Hebrews 3:1-6, “Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.” Moses was faithful, but did transgress the will of God (Num 20:7-13, Deut 4:21-22). Jesus was completely faithful and did not transgress the will of God – Christ had no iniquity and is without blame (Jn 8:46, Heb 4:15, 1 Pt 2:22, 2 Cor 5:21). Jesus once spoke to a religious group concerning Moses, in whom they trusted: John 5:45-47, “Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?” In many ways Moses was a forerunner (a foreshadowing of that which is perfect) of Christ. Let us now consider some (to numerous to list them all) amazing similarities:

1)  Egypt and the world – Egypt is a land of idolatry and wickedness (Ez 20:7-8, Heb 11:24-27). Life is cheap (Ex 1:16, 22, Acts 7:19) and God’s people are placed under great burdens (Ex 1:13-14). The Egyptians are proud, self seeking and religious (Ex 1:10, 18:11, Num 33:4, Neh 9:10). They benefit off the labors of the oppressed (Ex 14:5). Egypt is the cultural, agricultural and military power of the world and is generally representative of the world. The leader and his servants are greatly opposed to the Lord God Almighty (in rebellion). Egypt transgresses (violates, disregards) God’s will. The children of Israel were told (after being delivered from Egypt) not to do after the doings of the land of Egypt (Lev 18:3). Similarly, the world lies in wickedness (1 Jn 5:19). Men are naturally born into the world with a disposition toward evil and are quickly corrupted - for the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth (Gen 8:21). Man took on the nature of Satan in Eden by obeying the devil (Gen 3:4-6); yet disobeying God (Gen 3:11). Man joined Satan’s rebellion by disregarding God’s will in order to seek his own – as the devil had done (Jn 8:44 – when the devil lied and deceived man, he spoke of what he had done – seek self over God). Man was brought into the devil’s bondage. Man originally chose his will above God’s and the rebellion has continued through the succeeding generations since Adam. There are two main issues. The first involves atonement for the sinful nature which has been passed down to and partaken of by all men (Rm 5:12). Sin takes many forms in the flesh, but the root is pride and self. By the offense of one, judgment has come upon all men unto condemnation (Rm 5:18). All have sinned and are equally guilty (Rm 3:23). The second issue involves God’s plan to reconcile man back to Himself (Rm 5:10, Eph 2:16, Col 1:20). God has provided a way through Jesus Christ for man to relinquish his self will and come back under His authority (Rm 5:17, 19). Jesus comes to set us free (through following His truth) from being a servant to sin – and if Christ sets us free, we are free indeed (Jn 8:31-36). Our redemption (deliverance is discussed in a paragraph below). Once redeemed from this fallen world, we are told to be separate and not to do the doings of it (2 Cor 6:17). God owns the earth – “for all the earth is mine” (Ex 19:5). Pharaoh (and his servants) have corrupted Egypt and God sent Moses to reclaim his oppressed people. The Lord’s message to Pharaoh (through judgment) is: “that thou mayest know how that the earth is the LORD’S” (Ex 19:29, 1 Cor 10:26). Similarly, the devil has corrupted God’s creation (earth, world) and the Lord sent His Son (Jesus) to reclaim his oppressed people. Jesus destroyed the works of Satan and delivered captivity (prisoners, Is 42:7, 61:6, Heb 2:14-15, Col 2:15, 1 Jn 3:8, Eph 4:8, Lk 4:18) and stated: “the prince of the world is judged” (Jn 16:11). The Lord will bring judgment upon the world (Great Tribulation) and the Lord’s message to Satan is: “that thou mayest know how that the earth is the LORD’S.”

2)  Pharaoh and Satan – Lucifer (devil, Satan, dragon) transgressed God’s will (rebelled) in order to seek his own will. He is prideful and opposed to God (Ez 28:2, 13-17, 31:16). Isaiah 14:12-14, “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” The devil had disregard for God’s will and authority. Satan then spread his rebellion through God’s creation (corrupted other angels, Rev 12:4, 7, 9, 2 Pt 2:4, Jude 1:6). The devil came to man in the garden of Eden in the form of a serpent and corrupted God’s people (man – the Lord’s creation) through his craftiness and brought them into bondage (sin and death, 2 Pt 2:19). In other words, through corruption (convinced man to seek his own authority, self; rather than to freely submit to God’s authority), the devil took God’s creation of man under his bondage (suffering, addictions, hard yoke and afflicts with heavy burdens) to serve him. Satan is referred to as the prince of this world (god of this world – which is fallen, Jn 12:31, 14:30, 16:11, 2 Cor 4:4, Eph 2:2, 1 Jn 5:19). He thinks he is a god (and may seem as such when compared to man), but does not have the ability of God – his heart is lifted up - hardened (Ez 28:2). The devil comes to rule over man, but God gives His servants (those under His authority) power (rule) over Satan (Mk 6:7, 16:17-18, Lk 9:1, 10:19-20). There is enmity between the devil and man and Satan is a hard/cruel task master (Gen 3:15, 1 Pt 5:8). Satan takes man’s attention off of God in places it upon self through temptations. As man follows the lusts of his flesh, he also seeks his will and transgresses God’s authority – man is drawn away from God (Js 1:13-15, becomes part of the rebellion against God). Satan rules over man through the flesh and takes captive at will (2 Tim 2:26). The devil feeds (entices, charms allures) the flesh and man willingly follows. As man seeks the flesh, he is blinded to the things of the Spirit (becomes spiritually weak and an easy prey). Seeking the flesh is the opposite of faith in God (which is a bypass of the flesh). God sent Jesus to redeem/deliver man from the bondages of Satan – to destroy his works (1 Jn 3:8). Jesus came to: Isaiah 42:7, “To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.” Look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh (Lk 21:28). Christ also came to bring reconciliation between man and God – to restore that which He took not away; to make peace (Ps 23:3, 69:4, 85:10). Jesus guides our feet (He leads, we follow in His steps, Jn 12:26, 1 Pt 2:21) in the way (Jesus is the way, truth and life, Jn 14:6) of peace (back to God, reconciliation, Lk 1:79). Satan does not want reconciliation between God and man (he wants them to serve him). For restoration to occur, man must renounce (repent) his transgressions (rebellion) and surrender to God’s authority – things must be as they were before the fall. The devil increases pressure, temptations and burdens on those who begin to seek God to keep their heart from Him. Satan does not want to let the people go. The devil’s servants come in lying signs and wonders to resist and diminish the glory of God (2 Thess 2:9). God destroys Satan’s hold on those who freely submit to Him through faith (in Christ). God does deliver His people (those who surrender in love and obedience through Christ) and ultimately will destroy Satan and this fallen world in the Lord’s timing and purpose (Rev 20:10, 21:1, Is 65:17). The devil (and his angels and rebellious man) will be cast into the depths of the sea (of fire, Rev 20:10, 15, 2 Pt 2:4, Jude 1:6). Similarly, Pharaoh is prideful and opposed to God. The symbol of Pharaoh (on his head dress) is the serpent. Pharaoh (and Satan) bring the Lord’s people into bondage under the sign of the serpent. God comes to Pharaoh with the sign of a serpent to liberate His people (Ex 7:9). The sorcerers of Pharaoh imitate the serpent, but God’s serpent swallows their serpents proving who will always prevail (triumph over Satan or Pharaoh, Ex 7:10 -13). Pharaoh rules over Egypt (symbolic of the world, full of idolatry). He took God’s people captive and placed them under hard bondage and heavy burdens (Ex 1:9-11, 14). The Egyptians exerted their will over others – that they may serve us (Ex 1:13, 14:5). Exodus 1:14, “And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigour.” God sent a deliverer (Moses) and said, “Let My people go” (Ex 5:1). Exodus 5:2, “And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.” He is opposed to God and resists the Lord’s purposes. Exodus 15:9, “The enemy said (Pharaoh), I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand (“I”) shall destroy them.” Pharaoh comes in the force of  “self” will against the will (purposes) of the Lord God Almighty. God wants to deliver His people from Egypt and reconcile them to Himself. Pharaoh does not want God’s people to be reconciled (he wants them to serve him). When God’s people want to go and worship Him, Pharaoh greatly increases their burden to put a stop to it (Ex 5:7-9, 17-18). He says: “for they be idle; therefore they cry, saying, Let us go and sacrifice to our God (Ex 5:7).” God brings judgments on Pharaoh and Egypt, but he is prideful and refuses to let the people go in complying with God’s will, but rather seeks his self will – above all. His heart is hardened in his pride and arrogance (Ex 7:3, 8:15, 8:19, 32, 9:7, 12, 34-35, 10:1, 20, 27, 11:10, 14:4, 8, 17). Exodus 7:14, “And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh’s heart is hardened, he refuseth to let the people go.” Pharaoh’s servants (wise men, sorcerers, magicians) work lying signs and wonders in opposing God and resisting the truth (2 Tim 3:8, Ex 7:11, 22, 8:7, 18-19). Pharaoh (prince of Egypt) thinks of himself as a god (and may seem as such to the Hebrews), but is helpless at the hands of the true God. The Lord makes Moses a God over Pharaoh as the Lord always humbles the prideful (Ex 7:1). The Lord destroys Egypt through judgment and casts Pharaoh and his army (host) into the depths of the sea (Ex 10:7, 14:26-27, 14:28, 15:4-5, 10, 19, Neh 9:11, Ps 136:15). The Lord delivers His people from Egypt (i.e. world) through His great judgments (Ex 7:4-5) and brings them to a new land (Promised Land, Ex 3:8, 3:17, 6:8) – out of the house of bondage (Ex 13:14). The parallels between Satan and Pharaoh are striking.

3) Faced death as a child – Jesus and Moses were both born into this earth under the most humbling of circumstances. Moses’ family was sojourning in Egypt and under the bondage of Pharaoh. Jesus was born in a stable, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger (a trough or box in which fodder is laid for animals, Lk 2:7, 12, 16). Christ’s parents could not even afford the greater sacrifice (for the birth of a son) of a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering, but had to offer the lesser of two turtles, or two young pigeons; the one for the burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering (Lev 12:6-8, Lk 2:22-24). Two of the greatest men to live both came into the world in the meekest of circumstances. Jesus and Moses both faced sure death aimed at “male” children. At the time of Moses birth, Pharaoh (he who opposes God, i.e. the devil) had degreed that all male Hebrew children were to be cast into the river (killed, Ex 1:22, 2:3, Heb 11:23). At the time of Jesus’ birth, Herod (he who opposes Christ, i.e. the devil) decreed that all the male children two years old and under in the region be killed in an attempt to kill Jesus (Mt 2:16, Acts 4:26, Rev 12:4).

4)  Sojourned in the land of Egypt – Jesus and Moses both sojourned for a time in Egypt before the Lord called them out. Moses family came to Egypt (via Israel at Joseph’s invitation) to escape death through famine in the land (Ps 105:23-25). Moses left place in the royal family (Pharaoh’s house, i.e. man’s rebellion against God, Heb 11:24-27) forsaking all to serve the Lord God Almighty (Heb 11:26-27). Jesus’ family also came to Egypt to escape death (Mt 2:13). Jesus was called out of Egypt by the Lord for His purposes – “out of Egypt, I have called My Son” (Mt 2:15). Jesus came out of Egypt and went into the Promised Land (Israel, Mt 2:19-21).

5)  Meekness – Jesus and Moses were both very meek. Meekness is mild of temper; soft; gentle; not easily provoked or irritated; yielding; given to forbearance under injuries. Forbearance is the exercise of patience (command of temper); longsuffering; indulgence toward those who injure us (restraint of passions); lenity; and the delay of resentment or punishment. When considering forbearance under injury, consider the following scripture dealing with charity: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” Charity is love (sacrifice for another) directed first to God and then to your fellow man. Moses and Jesus lived a life of charity toward others; please consider this as you read this section and the next. Numbers 12:3, “Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.” Moses was constantly the source of criticism and blame by the children of Israel for everything this peevish people could moan and murmur about – yet still showed great love (Ex 5:20-21, 14:11-12, 15:24, 16:2-3, 7-8, 17:2-3). The people even considered stoning Moses (17:4). Moses constantly took up for them before God pleading for the Lord’s forgiveness for their many transgressions – he bore the iniquities of the people (Num 14:34, Deut 9:18-19, 25-29, 10:10). Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land because of them (Num 20:3-13), yet continued to be a remarkable leader. On several occasions, God wanted to destroy the people due to their disobedient and rebellious hearts (Ex 32:10, Deut 9:8, 14). Moses went before God fasting (forty days/nights) to plead for them and secured mercy and forgiveness (Ex 32:11-14, 32, 33:15-17, 34:9, 28). Moses even placed his eternal salvation on the line for them (Ex 32:32). Even Moses had his limits: Deuteronomy 1:9-10, 12, “And I spake unto you at that time, saying, I am not able to bear you myself alone: The LORD your God hath multiplied you, and, behold, ye are this day as the stars of heaven for multitude. How can I myself alone bear your cumbrance (difficulties, toils burdens, oppressive load), and your burden, and your strife (also Num 11:10-15)?” Moses bear the burden of an entire nation. Jesus was also meek among men. Matthew 11:29, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me (Christ); for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” To be lowly of heart is to be humble and free of pride – not lofty; without grandeur (opulence) or dignity. Matthew 21:5, “Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.” In the lead-in scripture, we are told that charity envieth not (1 Cor 13:4-7). Moses did not envy others, consider this account: Numbers 11:26-29, “But there remained two of the men in the camp, the name of the one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and the spirit rested upon them; and they were of them that were written, but went not out unto the tabernacle: and they prophesied in the camp. And there ran a young man, and told Moses, and said, Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp. And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them. And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD’S people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!” Moses didn’t Lord over others, but hoped (sought, desired) the best for everyone. Similarly Jesus did not envy others either. Mark 9:38-40, “And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is on our part (also Lk 9:49-50).” Jesus was also the focus of the ridicule of the people. This scripture sums it up fairly well: John 1:11, “He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” Christ suffered many things at the hands of these religious ones and was set at nought (Mk 9:12). Jesus even went to the cross for such as these and proclaimed, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” – showing forbearance under injuries unto death (Lk 23:34). Jesus was meek, humble and full of love and dead (void) of self. They hated Christ without a cause (Jn 15:25, Ps 69:4). Consider Christ’s fate: Isaiah 53:3-5, “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed (restored to God).” It was said of Christ: Psalm 35:12, “They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul (also Ps 69:20).” The reproaches of man (toward God) fell upon Christ. (Rm 15:3). The religious reviled Jesus every way they could. They derided Him (Mt 13:55-57, 21:15, Mk 5:40, 15:29, 31, Lk 16:14, 20:2, 23:35, 39); they falsely accused Him and called Him names (including the devil himself and mad/crazy, Mt 9:34, 12:24, 26:60, Mk 3:22, 14:56, Jn 7:20, 8:48-49, 9:16, 24, 10:20, 18:30); they plotted against Him and tried to trick Him with questions and situations (Mt 12:10, 12, 38, 17:24, 19:3, 21:23, 22:15, Mk 3:2, 6, 9:12, 10:2, 11:18, 12:13, Lk 11:53-54, 14:1, 20:20, Jn 8:6); they tried to seize Him (Mk 12:12, 14:46, Lk 20:19, Jn 5:16, 7:32, 10:39, 11:57); they tried to kill Him – including stoning him (Mt 12:14, 21:46, 26:4, 16, 27:20-22, Lk 4:28-29, 19:47, 22:2, Jn 5:16, 18, 7:1, 25, 8:37, 59, 10:31, 11:8, 50, 53-54); His followers deserted Him (Jn 6:66-68, Mt 26:56, Mk 3:21, 14:50); and Christ own family had unbelief (Jn 7:5, Mk 6:3). All gathered together against Christ; kings, governors, Jews and Gentiles (Acts 4:27). Through all of this, Jesus did not become bitter or have unforgiveness toward them (1 Pt 3:18). Christ (in His meekness) endured such contradiction of sinners against himself (Heb 12:3). Romans 5:6-8, “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus bore the sins of many (Is 53:11-12, Heb 9:28). Christ took all that rebellious man threw at Him and only returned love (sacrifice for others). Jesus meekly went to the cross and died for those who rejected Him (perfect forbearance under injuries). Acts 8:32-33, “The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth. In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.” Jesus was mocked, smote (hit), spat upon, buffeted and bruised. Isaiah 50:6, “I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.” Jesus stood bearing our iniquities and made intercession for the transgressors so as to justify many (Is 53:11-12). Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He hath put Him to grief when thou shalt make His soul an offering for sin (Is 53:10). A mock trial was held complete with false witnesses. Psalms 35:11, “False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I knew not.” Jesus was then led away bound (Mk 15:1, Jn 18:24) to the Gentile (Roman) governor for more of the same (scourged, beaten, reviled). 1 Peter 2:23, “Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.” Religious man vehemently accused him and demanded the penalty of death (Lk 23:9). Jesus (God) would not yield (conform to man) to “their way” and He had to be done away with. Oh, what the devil’s lie has wrought in man. The Gentile (non religious) leader found no fault (Lk 23:4, Jn 18:38, 19:4) and realized the leaders had offered Christ up out of envy (Mt 27:18, Mk 15:10). The governor offered to release Jesus, but the leaders and people chose rather a convicted criminal (murderer, Mk 15:11). When asked what to do about Jesus, the people cried, “crucify Him” (Mk 15:12-13) – but what evil hath He done? – “crucify Him” (Mk 15:14, Lk 27:20-23); Shall I release Jesus? - “Away with this man” (Lk 23:18). To say, “away with this man” was a total rejection of the man, His message and all he stood for. Jesus was given over to the will of the people (Jn 19:6) – the very religious people. Jesus had been humiliated, betrayed, deserted, blasphemed, beaten without mercy, mocked, spat upon, reviled, and falsely accused. Psalm 69:20, “Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none.” Can we comprehend such isolation and rejection? What day was this? This was the day of preparation for the Passover (a very Holy Day, Jn 19:14). This was the day when the passover lamb was to be killed (Lk 22:7). All the symbolism of the passover (foreshadowing) pointed to this one event (to be fulfilled in Christ) and these learned (2 Tim 3:7) religious men were to blind to see it – they were about to kill the “lamb of God” (Rev 5:6, 12, 13:8). Through all of this, Jesus did not become embittered or have unforgiveness toward them (1 Pt 3:18). If He had (such as animosity, resentment, dislike) it would have quenched His love and been accounted as iniquity. Jesus, the perfect unblemished lamb of God, was about to be slain. Jesus represented God’s love and the best of man. Psalm 35:12, “They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul.” Jesus had done all things well. John 15:25, “But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause (also Acts 13:28).” Psalms 22:6, 13, 17-18, “But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people. They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion. I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.” Matthew 27:39-44, “And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.” They were inasmuch saying, Jesus is accursed, accursed! – look at Him hang. This is rebellious man’s justice and judgment – man’s mercy! This is the heart and nature of man. The blood continued to flow down Christ’s broken body, but the mockers continued to belittle Him. Psalms 71:11, “Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him.” They were inasmuch saying God has abandoned the accursed man hanging on the tree. Psalms 22:7-8, “All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.” “Away with such a man,” they said. This was man’s justice concerning God’s visitation (Jer 5:4). However, what was God’s purpose in allowing His Son die? God’s intent was far more noble than man’s. Jesus had actually laid His life down willingly to provide an atonement for the transgressions of all mankind (Jn 10:15, 17-18, Gal 1:4, 1 Jn 3:16, 4:10). John 10:11, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” – the lost sheep (Jer 50:6, Mt 15:24, Lk 19:10)! Man (Adam) had transgressed God’s will in Eden and took on the nature of Satan which is rebellion (seeking one’s own way). This nature is what has been discussed over and over in this study. God was making “the way” (final and complete) for sincere men to come back under His authority and partake of His nature – to be free of “the lie.” Can you believe that God would offer such hope to such a rebellious creation? 1 John 4:9-10, “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation (the act of appeasing wrath) for our sins.” To reconcile, the corrupt foundation of man’s wicked nature had to be destroyed. Man had committed a grievous transgression and this could not be overlooked nor summarily dismissed (set aside). Jesus was providing amends for the wrong committed such that reconciliation could be possible. Jesus was going to stand in our (your) place for all our iniquities and transgressions. Jesus was going to face the Father’s wrath and make reparation (Ps 85:10). 2 Corinthians 5:21, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” Jesus, who was perfect, paid a price that imperfect man could not pay. Christ, who was sinless, took upon Himself all the sin of the world (the transgression, rebellion). Therefore, while hanging upon a tree, while bearing man’s sin, Jesus was truly accursed of God. At that moment, He represented (on the cross) all the worst of mankind – all man’s transgressions resultant from “the devil’s lie.” Jesus was truly despised, rejected, disregarded, and afflicted by rebellious man, yet He bore our griefs, and carried our sorrows, was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities and chastised for our faults (Is 53:3-5). After all the love and compassion Jesus had given in His earthly walk, in death He gave even more. 1 Peter 2:24, “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed (restored).” Jesus hung on the cross with His blood flowing freely from His face, back, hands and feet. Matthew 27:46, “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” The accursed man (for our sakes) hanging on the tree was even forsaken (for a moment) by God Himself. Isaiah 54:7-8, “For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.” Jesus’ (and thus the Father’s) love goes far beyond our understanding. He did this for the very one’s who hung Him on the tree (all of us, we are all guilty, Rm 3:10). Even for the one’s who were still mocking and reviling Him as He hung in agony (Rm 5:6-8). Jesus forgave these men while He hung upon the cross (Lk 23:34) - true to nature, man was seeking his way and didn’t know (comprehend) what he was doing. Christ’s sacrifice made it possible for all men (Jew and Gentile) to be reconciled with God. Galatians 3:13-14, “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” Jesus took “our curse” and put it to death with Himself upon the tree (accursed). Now we must come out from under the nature of the devil’s lie: Galatians 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ (my old nature): nevertheless I live (the new nature God has given me); yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Our lives must be surrendered to Christ! We must renounce our self seeking ways and surrender to Jesus. Luke 23:46, “And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.” Christ had totally committed Himself to the Father during His earthly walk. Jesus now trust His Spirit into the care of the Father (Job 13:15, Ps 16:10, 31:5), knowing the Father would redeem Him from the grave (Ps 49:15). Let us remember: Jesus came to preach good tidings unto the meek (Is 61:1). Matthew 5:5, “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth (also Ps 37:11).” We must become like our Lord and like Moses (who was one of the greatest prophets to arise, Deut 34:10). Let us also remember: Colossians 3:14, “And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” AND 1 Corinthians 13:13, “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” We must be longsuffering.

6)  Prophet not honored – Having discussed meekness (forbearance under injuries), there is another area in which Jesus and Moses were very much alike. A group once questioned Jesus’ authenticity: Mark 6:3-4, “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house (also Jn 4:44, 6:41-42).” Those most familiar with us tend to give us the least respect and honor – this is a fact (Lk 4:24). Jesus was the Son of God, yet His brothers were not so sure. John 7:5, “For neither did his brethren (adelphos – a brother from the womb; James, Joses, Juda, Simon) believe in him.” His brothers wanted Jesus to go up to Jerusalem and perform some mighty works and show the world (Jn 7:3-4). Christ’s hometown considered Him to only be “the carpenter’s son” and they were offended by Him. They said: John 7:27-28, “Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is. Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not.” How could He know such things and perform such works, we know Him and He is just ordinary to us (Mk 6:2-3, 6). Yet God (the Father) said of Jesus: Matthew 17:5, “While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.” Similarly, Moses own brother and sister (Aaron and Miriam) rose up against him. Numbers 12:1-2, 6-8, “And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it. And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” Moses had done so much for the children of Israel, but they were unthankful. They had murmured and complained against Moses’ pleadings and were not able to enter into the Promised Land, yet they blamed Moses. Numbers 16:13  Is it a small thing that thou hast brought us up out of a land that floweth with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, except thou make thyself altogether a prince over us? We must always do God’s will, above all (family, friends). Jesus said: Luke 14:26, “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.” Nothing, including self, can be placed above your relationship with God. Often, family and friends will reject the testimony of Jesus (not so much as professed, but as sincerely lived) in your life.

7)  Obedience – One distinguishing factor in Moses life was his obedience to God (particularly under difficult situations). Exodus 7:6, “And Moses and Aaron did as the LORD commanded them, so did they.” What a blessed attribute! God commands Moses and Moses does. Moses was required to go up against the most powerful man in the world (Pharaoh) and perform God’s directions. God would speak a command to Moses and then Moses would do it. Sometimes obedience to God brought reproach and suffering from Pharaoh, the Egyptians, and his own people. Moses failed to obey God on one occasion and was not allowed to enter the Promised Land. The devil later contended (disputed, contested) for the body of Moses (Jude 1:9). Similarly, Jesus absolutely obeyed the Father. John 14:31, “But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do…” Adam had failed to obey God’s Word in Eden (and was corrupted), but rather sought self. Jesus came to completely obey God’s Word and die to self – and thus lived “perfectly” (no sin, iniquity, transgression or rebellion). John 6:38, “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” AND John 4:34, “Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.” Jesus came with great purpose: Hebrews 10:7, “Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.” Christ would absolutely fulfill all the prophecies concerning Himself (volume of the book). Had Jesus just once disobeyed God’s direction, then he would have been brought into the devil’s bondage (prison house). Jesus related how He abided in God: John 15:10, “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.” Obedience always requires self denial, sacrifice and generally some suffering. Hebrews 5:8, “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered (also Heb 2:10).” When facing death, Jesus proclaimed, “Thy will be done” to the Father (Mt 26:39, 42). Consider: John 12:27-28, “Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.”

8)  Spoke God’s Words and did God’s Works – God spoke to Moses in Sinai (through the burning bush) and sent him to speak His Words and perform His works (Ex 3:1-14, 4:1-9). The Lord told Moses: Exodus 4:12, “Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.” After some wrangling, it was agreed that God would speak to Moses and Moses would tell Aaron who would be the spokesman (Ex 4:10-11, 14). Exodus 4:15-16, “And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do. And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God.” Moses then went forth and spoke God’s Words and worked God’s Works before Pharaoh and all of Egypt. Later, Moses would do the same before the children of Israel as they were led through the wilderness (bread and meat from heaven, water from rocks, giving of the Law, building the tabernacle, etc., Deut 4:5). The Words and works were to bear witness and draw the people to God (that they would learn trust and walk in faith). Deuteronomy 34:10-12, “And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face, In all the signs and the wonders, which the LORD sent him to do in the land of Egypt to Pharaoh, and to all his servants, and to all his land, And in all that mighty hand, and in all the great terror which Moses shewed in the sight of all Israel.” After all that God wrought through Moses, the people were still full of unbelief (continually transgressing God’s will) and did not enter the Promised Land (only two – Caleb and Joshua). Similarly, Jesus came speaking God’s Words and performing His Works. It was said of Christ: John 3:34, “For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him (also Deut 18:18).” Jesus said: John 12:49-50, “For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak (also Jn 8:38).” AND John 8:26, “I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.” Jesus once told a gathering:  John 7:16-17, “Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” AND John 14:10  Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Christ also did mighty miracles of healing, deliverances, feeding, calming storms, and the raising of the dead. John 5:36, “But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.” Jesus was always about the Father’s business. John 9:4, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” Jesus said prior to His death: John 17:4-5, “I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.” Christ told the people: John 10:37-38, “If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.” AND John 14:11, “Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.” After all the Words and miracles that Jesus did, the people were still full of unbelief. John 12:37, “But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him.”We must all be speaking God’s Words and performing God’s Works (Mt 10:20, Jn 14:12).

9) Forsook self – Moses and Jesus both lived selfless lives. Their hearts were to do the will of God and this came foremost in their lives. Hebrews 11:24-26, “By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.” Moses was raised in the grandeur (splendor, opulence, greatness, wealth) of the Egyptian palace, but forssok all and became a simple shepherd in the wilderness. God promoted Moses to shepherd His people and he spent the rest of his life in selfless service. Moses was used of God to feed, give drink, pray for (intercede), lead, teach, heal, love, defend, forgive, suffer for, and judge the people. Similarly, Jesus lived a life devoid of self and a devotion to the Father. Philippians 2:7-8, “But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Jesus left the magnificence of heaven in selfless love (sacrifice) to reconcile man to God. 2 Corinthians 8:9, “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” For it was said: Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom (to liberate, set free) for many.” Christ never owned (possessed) the things of the world. Matthew 8:20, “And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head (no house).” Jesus did not seek carnal things, He had eternal purpose – so must we. Jesus absolutely lived by example: Matthew 6:25,32-33, “Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (food, clothing, needful things, Mt 6:25-32).” Jesus became a servant in that He never sought His own, but always looked after the needs of others. Romans 15:3, “For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.” He healed, delivered, served, fed, gave, ministered, taught, loved, prayed for, defended, suffered, forgave, and laid down His life willingly. Jesus was totally giving and never selfish.

10)  Personal glory? – Jesus and Moses were called of God and placed in a certain position. They were content in their position realizing all things are in God’s hands. They were both tempted with greater authority (becoming a great ruler), but chose to submit humbly and meekly to God’s purposes. After the children of Israel had made the calf of gold (idol), the Lord was ready to consume them. Exodus 32:10, “Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.” Moses put all self interest aside and pleaded for the people while defending God’s honor (Ex 32:11-14). On another occasion, the people refused to go into the Promised Land. The Lord said: Numbers 14:12, “I will smite them with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of thee a greater nation and mightier than they (also Deut 9:14).” Again Moses pled for the people and defended God’s honor with no thought of self (Num 14:13-20). Similarly, when Jesus was led of the Spirit into the wilderness, the devil tempted Him with great power (Mt 4:1, Lk 4:5-8). Matthew 4:8-9, “Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.” Jesus put all self interest aside and responded: Matthew 4:10, “Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” Notice where Christ heart is! The Jewish people wanted to make Jesus a king by force, but He was not seeking personal glory. On another occasion, Jesus made quite an impression on the people by feeding them bread and fish. John 6:15, “When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.” Jesus sought the will of God and not His own exaltation (Heb 10:7). Seeking the things of this world is an exaltation of self. This is feeding one’s flesh rather than seeking God’s purposes, and is enmity toward God (1 Jn 2:15-17, Js 4:4, Rm 8:7).

11)  Came to deliver and redeem – Jesus and Moses were both sent of God to deliver (redeem) His people from bondage (set free). Moses was told: Exodus 3:10-12, “Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt. And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.” Through Moses (Acts 7:34), God delivered His people: Psalms 106:10, “And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.” The people were led to God out of the house of bandage (Ex 19:4, 20:2). Exodus 15:13, “Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.” Jesus’ coming was prophesied (foretold) by the prophets. When Christ came, He said: John 8:42, “Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.” Jesus later said: John 16:28, “I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.” Jesus came to proclaim liberty to the captives (Is 61:1). Christ came to deliver those who sit in darkness from the prison house (Is 42:7). Jesus preached deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised (Lk 4:18). Hebrews 2:15, “And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” Jesus brought eternal redemption that we might receive the “promise” of eternal inheritance (Heb 9:12, 15). Let the wise consider the following carefully: Psalms 107:1-21, 43, “O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy (Satan, Pharaoh); And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south. They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in. Hungry (need manna, every Word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God) and thirsty (need Holy Spirit), their soul fainted in them. Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble (repentance), and he delivered them out of their distresses (set free). And he led them forth by the right way (paths of righteousness, Ps 23:3, narrow way, following Jesus), that they might go to a city of habitation (Promised Land, New Jerusalem). Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness (hunger and thirst after righteousness, poor in spirit, mourning). Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron (Pharaoh, Satan); Because they rebelled against the words of God (sought their own way – be as gods, transgression), and contemned the counsel of the most High (disregard for God): Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help (helpless apart from God). Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses (longsuffering, mercy). He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder (redemption, deliverance). Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.”

12)  Shepherd and the sheep – Moses left the glory of Egypt and became a simple humble shepherd (Ex 2:17, 3:1). Moses went before to Mount Horeb and will lead the sheep back there to worship God (Ex 3:12). Throughout scripture God has called men who were shepherds to care for His people, whom God likens to sheep. Jesus’ birth was announced by angels to simple humble shepherds in the field (Lk 2:8-14). These came and worshipped at the manger (Lk 2:16-20). Jesus often compared Himself to a shepherd and His followers to sheep (John Chapter Ten). Jesus said: John 10:14, “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.” This is the relationship that Christ desires. John 10:4, “And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.” The Shepherd leads and the sheep obediently follow – Christ is “speaking” to their hearts. The Shepherd goes before (walked the walk) and leads the sheep to God (walk as He walked, 1 Jn 2:6). We conform to Christ’s image such that Jesus can be firstborn of many brethren (Rm 8:29). Consider the relationship based upon the obedience of the “follower:” John 14:21, “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” AND John 14:23, “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” This is what Christ did in going to God and now we are following. John 15:10, “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.” Consider how the Shepherd cares for the sheep: John 10:11, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” Moses was a tremendous leader and even offered his eternal salvation in pleading for God’s forgiveness for the people. Exodus 32:32, “Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.” Moses was not required to give his physical or eternal life. Jesus did lay down His physical life for the sins of the people (Is 53:4-8, Mt 20:28). The shepherd cares for the sheep – feeding (live by the Word of God, Deut 8:3, Mt 4:4, Jn 4:34), watering (gave the Holy Spirit, Jn 4:10, 7:37-39, Rev 7:17), providing security against the beasts of the earth (Lk 10:19), seeking the lost (Mt 18:12-13, Lk 15:4, 19:10) and leading to pastures (Promised Land, inherit the earth). Psalms 23:1-6, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” – Beautifully stated!

13)  Trust in God’s deliverer – All of the Egyptians thought Moses to be a great man. Exodus 11:3, “And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants, and in the sight of the people.” When the children of Israel departed from Egypt (driven out by Pharaoh), a mixed multitude also went with them – trusting in Moses. Exodus 12:38, “And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle.” Similarly, Jesus originally came only to the children of Israel. Matthew 15:24, “But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Christ later commissioned His followers to make disciples of all men – nations – the mixed multitude; whomsoever will (gentiles, Mt 28:19-20). Matthew 12:21, “And in his name (Jesus) shall the Gentiles trust.”

14)  Intercessor – Jesus and Moses were both intercessors/advocates between God and man. Exodus 20:19, “And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.” AND Deuteronomy 5:27-28, “Go thou near, and hear all that the LORD our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that the LORD our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear it, and do it. And the LORD heard the voice of your words, when ye spake unto me; and the LORD said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken unto thee: they have well said all that they have spoken.” Moses became the intercessor (one who interposes between God and man with a view to reconcile them) for the people. As previously mentioned, Moses always took the role of peacemaker (advocate) between God and man. In this role, one must be concerned about the interest of both parties with God’s will (Word) triumphing over all. The advocate (one who pleads on behalf of another, intermediary) pleads for the contrite, but does not justify the froward. Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” All things will be restored unto God – submitted and under His authority – this is fact! The consideration for the intercessor is how much forbearance and longsuffering God will tolerate of rebellious man such that a man will come to understanding and totally submit (surrender) in love and obedience through faith. Moses spoke and carried out God’s will. When the people transgressed, Moses pleaded with God for forgiveness. Similarly, Jesus is our intercessor between God and man. 1 Timothy 2:5-6, “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” Christ pleads for mercy for the penitent heart (repents of sin; sorrowful over transgressions against God). 1 John 2:1-2, “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” We can plead for mercy, but never license or justification (of evil, wickedness). Obviously, mercy and forgiveness would hold little value or meaning to one who desires to continue in his iniquities. Hebrews 7:25, “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.” Jesus bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors (Is 53:12). Christ died and is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us (Rm 8:34). Jesus desires reconciliation and that does not provide for man staying (continuing) in rebellion to God’s will. Hebrews 2:17, “Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.” Christ sent the Holy Spirit to aide in this role: Romans 8:26, “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” Ephesians 2:18, “For through him (Christ) we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.” Jesus helps us when we are tempted: Hebrews 2:18, “For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.” AND Hebrews 4:15, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”

15)  Judgment – Moses was a judge of the people and Jesus is The Judge of the people. Initially, Moses judged all matters of the children of Israel. Exodus 18:13, “And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening.” Moses father-in-law (Jethro) inquired as to Moses’ method: Exodus 18:15-16, “And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to enquire of God: When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws.” Jethro gave Moses some sound advice in how to lessen the burden: Exodus 18:19-22, “Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God: And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do. Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.” Similarly, Jesus is “The Judge” appointed of God (Ps 9:8, Is 42:1, Jer 23:5, 2 Tim 4:1, Heb 10:30 , 1 Pt 4:5, Rev 19:11 ). John 5:22, “For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son (also Jn 5:27, 13:3, Is 33:22, Mic 4:3).” Jesus taught the people God’s Words (Mk 10:1, Jn 9:39): John 6:63, “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” Christ once told a group: John 8:31-32, “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Jesus also said: John 5:24, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” This is what it all boils down to: John 12:48, “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day (also Eccl 3:17).” According to your works it shall be done unto you (Rev 2:23, 22:12, 1 Pt 1:17, Mt 16:27); whether faith (Mt 9:29) or unbelief/wickedness/words (Ez 18:30, Jer 21:14, 27:12, 42:4, Num 14:28-37, 2 Tim 4:14, 2 Pt 2:13, Rev 18:6). Every man shall give an account of himself (Rm 14:12). Judgment must be impartial and in accordance with God’s righteous character (1 Cor 4:5). John 5:30, “I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.” AND John 7:24, “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” Christ will delegate some judgment into the hands of His servants. 1 Corinthians 6:2-3, “Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?” The Lord God is perfect, righteous and holy and judgment always begins in God’s own house. 1 Peter 4:17, “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?”

16)  Covenants - Jesus and Moses both administrated significant covenants (agreements) between God and man (discussed more thoroughly in Chapter Three). God came down in a cloud and verbally (orally, audibly) spoke His Ten Commandments to the people at Mount Horeb. Deuteronomy 4:13, “And he (God) declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone.” The people told Moses that that would obey these commandments. Exodus 19:8, “And all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD.” Later Moses, Aaron and selected leaders worshipped the Lord (Ex 24:21). Moses alone came nigh and received instruction (Ex 24:22). Exodus 24:3-8, “And Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the LORD hath said will we do. And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel. And he sent young men of the children of Israel, which offered burnt offerings, and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen unto the LORD. And Moses took half of the blood, and put it in basons; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar. And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient. And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words.” This was a solemn (grave, serious, sober) agreement between God and the people sealed in blood whereby the people agreed to walk in the Lord’s ways and obey His commandments. This agreement was soon after “written in stone.” God stressed over and over that His commandments were to be kept (Ex 15:26, 16:28, 20:6, Lev 22:31, 26:3, Deut 4:2, 40, 5:10, 29, 6:2, 17, 7:9, 11, 8:2, 6, 10:13, 11:1, 8, 22, 13:4, 18, 19:9, 26:17-18, 27:1, 28:9, 45, 30:10, 16, Josh 22:5, 1 Kgs 2:3, 3:14, 6:12, 8:58, 61, 9:6, 11:38, 2 Kgs 17:13, 23:3, 1 Chr 28:8, 29:19, 2 Chr 34:31, Neh 1:9, Ps 78:7, 89:31, 103:18, 119:60, 119:115, Eccl 12:13). Man did not keep God’s commandment in Eden and has disregarded the Lord’s commandments ever since. Similarly, Jesus also procured a better and everlasting covenant between God and man known as His testament (Heb 12:24, 13:20). Hebrews 8:6, “But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.” This covenant is entered into by faith and one also agrees to walk in Christ’s ways and obey His commandments (Mt 19:17, Jn 14:15-17, 20-21, 23, 15:10, 1 Jn 2:3-4, 3:24, 5:2-3, Rev 12:17, 14:12). Christ Himself was the sacrifice and His blood sealed this very solemn agreement (Heb 9:16-17). Hebrews 9:12, 20, “Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.” Both of these covenants were to be taken very seriously and there were consequences for the disingenuous. Hebrews 10:26-31, “For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses.” Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. If you have enter into covenant with Christ, then you must walk obediently daily with all seriousness. This is not your religious devotion (religiosity), but rather your new life. The Lord always honors His part of the covenant, woe to those who violate theirs!

17)  Bread – Moses and Jesus both provided bread for the people. God actually provided the bread (manna), but Moses was the Lord’s intercessor to the people. The people attributed the bread to Moses rather than God. John 6:31-32, “Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.” The bread (manna) given to the children of Israel (in a miraculous way) was to teach faith, trust and reliance in God (Jesus was also tested in this also in the wilderness, Lk 4:3-4). Man was to live by every Word of God and walk in His ways (Deut 8:2-3). The people had to obey God in gathering it daily and be constantly reminded where their provision came from. The wilderness was such a barren place, this bread should have produced thankfulness and reliance upon God. Similarly, Jesus fed the people with bread on two occasions under impossible circumstances. Jesus also provided this bread in the wilderness. His disciples had initially questioned Him: Mark 8:4, “And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness (also Mt 15:33)?” Christ fed five thousand men (beside women and children) with five barley loaves – they all ate and were filled (twelve baskets of fragments remaining, Mt 14:15-21, Mk 6:35-44, Lk 9:12-17, Jn 6:5-13). Jesus also fed four thousand men (beside women and children) with seven barley loaves – they all ate and were filled (seven baskets of fragments remaining, Mt 15:32-38, Mk 8:1-9). The people came to Jesus later seeking more bread (Jn 6:26): John 6:27, “Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.” Jesus related how the manna was symbolic of Himself. John 6:35-38, “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” Christ also said: John 6:47-58, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat? Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.” What Jesus was saying is that man must enter into His covenant gained through His broken body and spilt blood. This is a covenant of faith whereby we must live by God’s Words and trust in Him. Our reliance must be upon Christ and not self – our very life (sustenance) must be found in Christ. We must hunger and thirst after His righteousness (obtained through faith). The children of Israel ate the manna, but are dead. Many of these faced the second death because of their disobedience, rebellion and unbelief (1 Cor 10:1-12). Christ offers eternal life through the laying down of His flesh. Recall from Chapter One: that Adam sought the flesh and brought death into the world. Jesus gave up the flesh and brought life into the world (Jn 6: 51).

18)  Blood – Passover verses Jesus' blood. Psalms 51:7, “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Recall God’s last judgment upon the land of Egypt which laid the foundation of the Passover celebration. Exodus 12:22-23, “And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning. For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.” This blood was from an unblemished male lamb and provided a covering such that God’s destroying angel would “pass over.” This was all symbolic of what Christ would later do in shedding His blood for the sins of the world. Those who repent have forgiveness through the blood of Christ (Mk 14:24, Lk 22:20, Acts 20:28, Rm 3:25, Eph 1:7, 2:13, Col 1:14, Heb 13:12, 1 Jn 1:7, Rev 5:9). Ephesians 1:7, “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace (also Col 1:14).” In a sense we take hyssop and dip it in the blood of God’s unblemished lamb (Christ) and our transgressions are covered (for our cleansing) through our obedience and surrender to Jesus’ authority – signified by entering into His covenant. 1 John 1:7, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” Romans 5:9, “Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” Christ’s blood provides the covering such that we are “passed over” from God’s wrath. This is accomplished because Jesus (our intercessor) has made peace between God and man to bring about reconciliation through faith. Colossians 1:20, “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.” Therefore: Ephesians 2:13-14, “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us.” Let us always remember: Jesus loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood (Rev 1:5).

19)  Without the gate – The statute of God was that the sin offering was to be taken outside the camp and burned. The blood was offered upon the altar. Hebrews 13:11-13, “For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.” Jesus was the sin offering for all of mankind and His blood cleanses us from sin and makes peace with the Father (for those surrendered in faith, Col 1:14, 20, 1 Jn 1:9). 1 John 1:7, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” Christ redeems (delivers) us from the darkness (Egypt/Pharaoh; world/devil, 2 Tim 2:19). Titus 2:14, “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”

20)  Songs – Both Moses and Jesus have songs attributed to them. The “song of Moses” was sang after the defeat of Pharaoh and all his host in the Red Sea. This song speaks of God’s greatness and redemption of Israel from Egypt (their enemies) and their place with God. Exodus 15:13, “Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.” Similarly, the saints of God (followers of Christ) sing the “Lamb’s song:” Revelation 5:9-10, “And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” This song speaks of Christ’s greatness and redemption of His followers from Satan and the world (their enemies) and their place with Him. All the saints sing before the throne: Revelation 15:3, “And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.” God is great and mighty and delivers His people and judges the wicked (justly condemns).

21)  Lifted up - Numbers 21:5-9, “And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.” The Lord had redeemed and delivered Israel out of the hands of their enemies. Pharaoh and Egypt were prideful and idolatrous and had inflicted great burdens and bondages upon God’s people (corrupted them). Had God not placed a separation between the Egyptians and Israel they would have lost any distinction and would have been totally given over to the wickedness of the people around them (Ps 105:25). God brought Israel out into the wilderness to prove them whether they would keep His commandments or not (Deut 8:2-3). Psalms 106:14-15, “But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert. And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.” The people demanded bread and God gave them meagerness (want of flesh). Given their way, the people would have made God their servant. God was teaching them that life was found in His Word and provision. They had to learn obedience, reliance, trust, hope, patience, self control and dependence upon God. The people needed to learn “faith” – trust in God beyond the flesh. The people chose to walk in unbelief as evidenced by their statement of loathing (hating, detesting, despising, abhorring, repulsed by) God’s provision of manna (light bread). They just had no faith and were thankless. Faith is what God desires (demands), but cannot be forced upon one – they must choose to walk in it (Heb 11:6). God is longsuffering and patient and will harvest the acceptable portion of the earthly crop of fruit and disregard (cast away) the rotten fruit (corrupted, obstinate, froward). The acceptable will no doubt be a small part of the whole earthly crop (remnant). Your free will shall either save or destroy you. The children of Israel were self-centered, disobedient and disappointing. Therefore, God allowed the devil (the serpent) to strike once again and to infect them with his venom which causes death. Seeking self (and thereby rejecting God) transgresses God’s will and separates one from the Lord and thus opens one up to the bite of the serpent. You become an enemy of God by your own choice. The Lord restrains the serpent from those who seek Him and are submitted to His authority. Once bitten the people began to die. Death has always been the result of the devil’s lie (disobedience to God in order to seek your own way). The people cried out in repentance and God provided a solution. Men often cry to God in difficult situations, but perhaps a lesson can be learned. At God’s direction, Moses made a brazen serpent and placed it upon a pole. The cure to the serpents bite now required an action. One had to humble themselves and obey God’s direction. A choice for life or death! If one was bitten and looked upon the brazen serpent (obeyed God) and believed in faith, he would live. If one did not look upon the brazen serpent he would die in his rebellion (disobedience to God). So to live, one must obey and look to God’s provision in faith. There was no logical (fleshly) reason why looking upon an image on a pole would provide the cure except that God said it would. Faith requires one to abandon human reasoning and the ability of the senses (smell, touch, taste, sight, hear). This is how man seeks his way (self). God takes self out of the equation and tells you to die to all that is you and trust soley in Him. This is learning to come out from under your authority and to surrender to God’s authority. Why a brazen serpent on a pole? This was a foreshadowing of what Christ would later do perfectly. This was the object lesson that man must learn. John 3:14-15, “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” Can you see the correlation? Men were bitten of the devil’s lie that suggested you can transgress God’s will and live for self and not die. The poison of this lie worked death – even though the devil said, "Ye shall not surely die." Men were dying in their rebellion to God because their nature became that of the lie (that of Satan). Jesus came to destroy the works (the transgression, self seeking, iniquity, separation, disregard of God’s authority - rebellion) of the devil. The serpent's  bite mesmerizes, deceives and dulls one’s understanding as the poison works its effect and chokes the life out of one. We must stop trusting in our flesh (this separated us from God) and fall upon God’s mercy and deliverance – perhaps God will open eyes. Jesus leads us out of our iniquity and rebellion and back under God’s authority. Christ provided the atonement that made peace with God possible for all who will look upon Him. This means that you must surrender your life to Jesus and all He stood for – come under the authority of His covenant. John 12:32, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” As Jesus hung on that cross, His free flowing blood was the only remedy for the poison that was killing man. The life is in the blood (Lev 17:11) – Christ’s life for you! - such a sacrifice (true love). Those who refuse to look upon Christ will die of this poison. It should also be noted that the brazen serpent was later called Nehustan and worshipped by the people (2 Kgs 18:4). Rebellious man knows no limits in his disregard for God.

22)  Dialog – Jesus (as God) talked with Moses at the burning bush. Jesus (as man) also talked with Moses at the mount of transfiguration. When Moses talked to the Lord at the burning bush, God revealed Himself as the great “I AM.” Jesus, who is part of the Godhead (Father, Son and Holy Ghost – three, yet One; inseparable), is revealed to mankind as the Son. 1 John 5:7, “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” Jesus later gave a hint at His identity to a group of people: John 8:58, “Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.” Christ revealed Himself as “I AM” in scripture many times such as: John 14:6, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” The religious ones (self seeking) of Jesus’ day never did make the connection. Christ was there all along as Moses journeyed in the wilderness. 1 Corinthians 10:4, “And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.” AND 1 Corinthians 10:9, “Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents (fiery serpents, Num 21:6-9).” When Jesus walked the earth as a man He also talked to Moses. Luke 9:28-31, “And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem (also Mt 17:1-3, Mk 9:2-4).” Moses once prophesied: Deuteronomy 18:15-17, “The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken; According to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not. I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him (also Acts 3:22-23).” That prophet was Jesus. Moses initially performed the role as God’s spokesman to the people. Jesus later came and mediated perfectly (1 Jn 2:1).

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