Jesus as the New Moses in the Gospel of Matthew

Introduction: Moses, Jesus, and Fulfillment

The Gospel of Matthew is rich with Jewish imagery and structure, and one of its most compelling theological frameworks is that of Jesus as the New Moses. To Matthew’s Jewish audience, the connections would have been unmistakable. From birth stories to mountaintop teachings, Jesus’ life echoes and surpasses that of Moses.

In fact, in the Transfiguration scene (Matthew 17:1–8), Jesus stands with Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and the Prophets. This moment is not just symbolic—it’s a declaration that Jesus fulfills everything they stood for.

As I wrote about here, the Gospel of Matthew is structured in a way that mimics the 5 Books of Moses (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy).

Parallels Between Moses and Jesus in Matthew

Some of these parallels are seen as fulfillments of prophecy.

1. A Ruler Seeks to Kill Them

• Moses: Pharaoh orders the killing of Hebrew baby boys (Exodus 1:22).

• Jesus: King Herod seeks to kill the infant Messiah (Matthew 2:16).

The parallel highlights how both were born under oppressive regimes and survived through divine intervention.

Vittore Carpaccio’s The Flight into Egypt captures the Holy Family’s journey with a serene, detailed landscape. Mary rides calmly with the Christ child, Joseph leads the donkey, and the tranquil backdrop contrasts with their urgent escape, emphasizing divine protection amid danger. Source: The National Gallery of Art

2. Called Out of Egypt

• Moses: Leads the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery.

• Jesus: Is taken to Egypt and later returns, fulfilling Hosea 11:1—“Out of Egypt I have called my son” (Matthew 2:15).

This isn’t just geography—it’s theology. Jesus relives and redeems the story of Israel.

3. Forty in the Wilderness

• Moses/Israel: Wander 40 years in the wilderness (Numbers 14:33).

• Jesus: Spends 40 days in the wilderness resisting Satan (Matthew 4:1–11).

Where Israel failed, Jesus prevails. He is the faithful Son Israel was meant to be.

4. Mountaintop Teaching

• Moses: Receives the Law on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19–20).

• Jesus: Delivers the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7).

Jesus doesn’t discard the law; he fulfills it (Matthew 5:17). With phrases like, “You have heard it said… but I say to you,” he teaches with divine authority.

5. Feeding the People

• Moses: Prays and God provides manna in the desert (Exodus 16).

• Jesus: Multiplies bread and fish for thousands (Matthew 14:13–21; 15:32–39).

Jesus shows that he is the bread of life, satisfying both physical and spiritual hunger.

Giovanni Bellini’s “Triptych of the Transfiguration” (c. 1480)

6. Glory on the Mountain: Jesus, Moses, and Elijah

In Matthew 17, Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John. His face shines, and he is joined by Moses and Elijah. This powerfully answers the SEMrush queries like:

• “Why did Moses and Elijah appear to Jesus?”

  → To affirm that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah).

• “Jesus with Moses and Elijah”

  → This mountaintop moment shows Jesus’ divine glory and authority surpassing even these giants of the Old Testament.

How Many Years Between Moses and Jesus?

This is one of the most common questions:

• “How many years between Moses and Jesus?”

  While precise dating can vary slightly, most scholars place Moses around the 13th or 15th century BCE and Jesus in the early 1st century CE, resulting in approximately 1,300 to 1,500 years between them.

This long span underscores the fulfillment theme: Jesus is not a sudden change but the culmination of a long, unfolding story of God’s redemption.

Did Moses Write About Jesus?

Another key question from keyword searches:

• “What did Moses say about Jesus?”

  In Deuteronomy 18:15–18, Moses says:

  “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people…”The New Testament identifies Jesus as that prophet (Acts 3:22–23).

So when people ask, “Did Moses talk about Jesus?”—the answer is yes. Moses pointed to one greater than himself.

Meaning for Today: Why Jesus as the New Moses Matters

Matthew isn’t just using clever parallels. He’s telling his readers:

“Everything you hoped Moses would be, Jesus is—and more.”

Where Moses delivered Israel from Egypt, Jesus delivers us from sin. Where Moses gave the law, Jesus fulfills it. Where Moses led a people through the wilderness, Jesus walks with us through the valleys of life, promising a new and eternal promised land.

Jesus carried not only a cross, but the weight of the law. He fulfilled the law, being the perfect, obedient one - doing for us what we could not do ourselves.

FAQ: Jesus as the New Moses

How long between Moses and Jesus?

Roughly 1,300–1,500 years, depending on how scholars date the Exodus and Jesus’ birth.

Why did Moses and Elijah appear to Jesus?

They represent the Law and the Prophets, affirming Jesus as the fulfillment of both (Matthew 17).

What did Moses say about Jesus?

Deuteronomy 18:15–18 foretells a prophet like Moses—Jesus is that prophet.

Is Jesus greater than Moses?

Yes. Hebrews 3:3 says Jesus has “been found worthy of greater honor than Moses.” He is not just another prophet—He is the Son of God.

Where does Matthew compare Jesus to Moses?

Throughout his Gospel, especially in the birth narrative (Matthew 2), the temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4), and the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7).

Final Thoughts: Jesus, Moses, and the Kingdom of Heaven

In Matthew’s telling, Jesus is not only the new Moses but also the King of the Kingdom of Heaven. His authority is not just prophetic—it’s divine. He doesn’t simply interpret God’s law—He is the Word made flesh. The Exodus was only the beginning; in Jesus, the true liberation begins.