Character Lessons: Comparing the Ministries of Moses and Jesus

Studying the life of Moses and comparing it with the ministry of Jesus reveals crucial personal applications regarding developing character, understanding typology, and embracing faith in the divine plan of salvation John 3:14, 15PTUK September 30, 1897, page 611.4+1. The great plan of redemption unfolds with increased light and glory from the Jewish ministration under Moses to the Christian ministration under ChristTBI 318.2.

Here are the key personal applications derived from comparing these two lives and ministries:

1. Understanding Christ Through Moses

The writings and experiences of Moses provide indispensable insights into the work of Christ.

• Christ Wrote of Moses: Rejecting or speaking slightingly of Moses demonstrates a lack of acquaintance with God and ultimately means rejecting Christ, because Jesus Himself declared that Moses wrote of Him John 5:46, 47PTUK September 30, 1897, page 611.4.

• The Serpent in the Wilderness: The brazen serpent lifted up by Moses serves as a type for the Son of Man being lifted up, demonstrating that whosoever believes in Him shall have eternal life John 3:14, 154Red 17.1. The type shows that although the remedy is general—intended for all—its benefit requires the personal application of faith, just as the bitten Israelites had to actually look upon the serpent to be healed Numbers 21:9ATO 184.1.

• Faithfulness and Example: Christ was as faithful as Moses, who was held in the highest esteem by God, though Moses made at least one mistake after leaving Egypt, while Christ never made anyPTUK September 30, 1897, page 611.4. The principles Christ expounded were not entirely new, but were principles of light and grace announced earlier to Moses and the prophetsBDOC 31.70.

2. Lessons in Character and Spiritual Discipline

Moses’ life, characterized by profound changes and trials, offers a powerful example of how God works to strengthen human character.

• Overcoming Weakness Through Trust: Initially self-distrustful, slow of speech, and timid, Moses was overwhelmed by a sense of incapacity to be God's mouthpieceSW January 26, 1904, par. 1. However, by accepting the work and putting all his trust implicitly in the Lord, he became eloquent, hopeful, self-possessed, and well fitted for the monumental task given to himSW January 26, 1904, par. 1.

• Embracing Meekness: The brightest trait in Moses’ character was his meekness, demonstrated in the midst of constant murmuring, reproach, and provocationT28 167.1. We must learn this lesson of humility and submission if we ever wish to enter HeavenT28 167.1.

• Submission and Anxiety: In the closing scene of his life, Moses faced a severe trial of faith and was filled with anxiety and forebodings concerning the people's future tendency to depart from GodST March 24, 1881, par. 11. Yet, having learned to trust God, he calmly submitted to the decree of infinite love and wisdomST March 24, 1881, par. 11.

• Beholding the Invisible: Like Moses, who beheld Him who is invisible, we must constantly study the life of Christ to gain the higher education needed to represent His character, which is gained by learning and practicing the lessons He revealed10LtMs, Ms 25a, 1895, par. 23.

3. Practical Daily Life Applications

The comparison helps shift focus from external reward to internal duty and consecration.

• Duty Over Reward: God has no place in His work for those who desire the crown more than bearing the cross; He wants individuals who are more intent upon doing their duty than upon receiving reward, and more solicitous for principle than for promotionHDL 16.1.

• Avoiding Self-Pity: The memory of what Christ endured must silence every murmuring thought, requiring us to beware of indulging the feeling that our efforts are not appreciated or our work is too difficultHDL 16.1+1.

• The Power of Personal Ministry: Following Christ's example requires us to follow up public preaching with personal effort, visiting, and instructing by the fireside, reaching people in the private walks of lifeWM 93.3+1.

• Integrity in Home Life: The truth must be practiced in the home life, where one’s character is fully revealed15LtMs, Lt 46, 1900, par. 9. A loving, amiable Christian who wears the beauty of God’s heavenly character in the home life is the most powerful argument in favor of the truth Genesis 18:1912LtMs, Lt 11, 1897, par. 30+1.

• Finding Rest in Obedience: When our own will is swallowed up in God’s will, and we walk in the way of His commandments, we walk in company with Christ and find rest for our souls Jeremiah 6:16DA 331.1. This rest was promised to Moses when God declared, "My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest" Exodus 33:14DA 331.1.