The Prophet Like Moses: Jesus Christ Revealed
Deuteronomy 18:15; Matthew 17:5
Introduction
In Deuteronomy 18:15, Moses tells the Israelites:
“The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him.”
This prophecy pointed forward to Jesus Christ, the ultimate prophet, priest, and king. Many years later, at the Mount of Transfiguration, God confirms this when He declares:
“This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!” (Matthew 17:5).
God’s command to “listen to Him” affirms that Jesus is the fulfillment of Moses’ words. Today, we will explore how Jesus is the Prophet like Moses and why we must listen to Him.
1. Jesus is the Prophet Like Moses
Moses was a unique prophet, chosen to lead Israel out of Egypt, give them the Law, and intercede for them before God. Yet, he spoke of another Prophet to come—one greater than himself.
How is Jesus like Moses?
- Both were Mediators - Moses stood between God and Israel, delivering the Law. Jesus is the ultimate Mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5).
- Both Performed Miracles - Moses parted the Red Sea, Jesus calmed the storm, healed the sick, and raised the dead.
- Both Delivered God’s Word - Moses gave the Law, Jesus fulfilled and clarified it (Matthew 5:17).
- Both Led God’s People to Freedom - Moses led Israel out of slavery, Jesus leads us out of sin’s bondage.
Yet, Jesus is greater than Moses (Hebrews 3:3). While Moses brought the Law, Jesus brought grace and truth (John 1:17).
2. God Commands Us to Listen to Jesus
At the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-5), Jesus appears in glory with Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and the Prophets. But when Peter suggests building shelters for all three, God interrupts him, saying:
“This is My beloved Son… Listen to Him!”
This declaration sets Jesus above Moses and Elijah. Why must we listen to Him?
- Because He Speaks with Divine Authority - Unlike the prophets who spoke for God, Jesus speaks as God (John 14:9).
- Because He Brings Salvation - Ignoring Jesus means rejecting salvation (Acts 4:12).
- Because His Words Are Life - Jesus’ words are spirit and life (John 6:63), leading us to eternal life.
The question is: Are we listening to Him?
3. Responding to Jesus’ Call
Listening to Jesus isn’t just about hearing—it requires obedience.
- In Our Personal Lives - Are we obeying His teachings in love, forgiveness, and holiness?
- In Our Worship - Are we honoring Him above all else?
- In Our Mission - Are we sharing His message with others?
Ignoring Jesus leads to spiritual death (Hebrews 2:1-3), but responding to Him brings eternal life.
Conclusion
Moses pointed forward to Jesus, and at the Transfiguration, God confirmed that Jesus is the one we must listen to. He is the greater Moses, the final and ultimate Prophet, and the only way to God.
The question remains: Are we listening to Him today?
Let us open our hearts to His voice, follow His teachings, and proclaim His name to the world.
Amen.