Thursday, April 11, 2013

Allusions with Moses (Hebrews 3)

In Hebrews 3, the writer alludes to the experience with Moses.

Jesus is superior to Moses
First, the writer states that Jesus is/was superior to Moses.  The writer uses the analogy of the builder of the home is superior to the home itself.

This does not denigrate the importance of Moses in the tradition, but just states that Jesus is superior.  This follows the pattern of supremacy of Jesus to others, in particular angels in chapters 1-2.

The writer could have picked any Old Testament prophet to compare Jesus to.  However, the selection of Moses sends a strong message about the "Law of Moses".  In a nutshell, Jesus is superior to the Law of Moses as well.  At this time, and to some degree today, there was a debate about the relationship and applicability of the Law of Moses and its traditions to the New Testament church.  This writer implicitly aligns with the other writings that Jesus is superior.


Analogy of faith to Moses leading the people
The writer then uses the analogy of Moses leading the people in the desert.  The writer states that many people could not enter the promised land because of their lack of faith.  The writer urges us to have the faithful obedience to go where God is leading us.

The analogy of this point of Israel's history affirms the importance of Moses.  In other words, the writer does not discount the contribution of Moses, or implicitly the law of Moses, but nevertheless these are not as important as Jesus.

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