211 Moses' Astonishing View of God Vs. Jesus' Amazing View of God Pt. 2

In this episode of ReDiscovering God we continue to look at the view that Moses has of God as described in the first five books of the Bible and the view of God that Jesus gave in the New Testament. When we look at them beside each other the contrast is amazing. Not that Moses' witness is invalid because he was able to move the view of people be more civilized and follow closer to the way God was calling them to be. But the essential part is to realize that is not where it ends. Jesus comes and reveals a view of God that is so amazing. Especially as it is seen in contrast to Moses's view.

SHOW NOTES

Moses’ Picture of God Jesus’ Picture of God

Creates and destroys (Duet. 32:29-42). Creates. Never destroys (John 3:17, 10:10, 12:47).

Brutally Punishes disobedience (Lev 26:27-29). Never punishes (1 Cor 13:4-7; Col 2:13;

Gal 5:22-23).

God is unapproachable (Ex 33:20). Has appeared and friended us (John

1:14; 14:9).

God gets angry (Exodus 4:14). Does not get angry (Matt 5:22).

Forbids murder (Dt 5:17). He brings life to all (Jn 1:4)

God is dangerous (Lev 10:2) He loves us as he loves Jesus (Jn 17:23),

Jesus is God (Jn 14:9).

Forbids adultery (Dt 5:18). Does not lust (Matt 5:28).

Allows divorce (Dt 24:1). Does not divorce (Matt 5:32, 19:8).

Keep your vows (Lev 19:12). Does not make vows (Matt 5:34).

Allows appropriate revenge (Ex 21:23-24). Does not take revenge (Matt 5:39-42).

Hate and destroy your enemies (Nu 31:1, 17-18). Loves enemies (Matt 5:44).

Love is conditional (Lev 26:14-17). Love is unconditional (Mt 5:45-47; 1 Cor 13:4-7; Jn 20:19, 26).

Highest standard of love is self-love (Lev 19:18). Highest standard of love is Jesus’s death (John 15:12-13).

God abandons rebellious people (Exodus 33:3). God does not do abandonment (Matt 28:20b; Jn 14:1).

God tempts (Genesis 22:1) You lead us not into temptation (Matthew 6:13; James 1:13-15).

God loved Israel (Deuteronomy 7:7) He loves all (John 3:16; Eph 2:14).

Men were valuable to God (Lev 27:3-8 Women knew Jesus loved & valued them (Mt 27:55)

Resurrection was vague Resurrection is definite (John 6:39, 40, 44, 54; Jn 11:25)

Forgiveness is earned (Lev 16) Forgiveness is free (Jn 3:17; 1 Cor 13:5; Col 2:13-14; Heb 8:12)

Morality defined by law, obedience & fear (Ex 20:1-20):

Morality defined by love, faith & freedom (Mt 5:39, 44; 1 Jn 4:8)

Moses moved the bar for the Israelites as far as he could. He was a powerful force for good in his society and culture. If he had not veiled his face he would have been able to take the Israelites further. Jesus is the exact picture of God (Hebrews 1:3) and the

Creator of all (John 1:2). His is superior to all prophets, priests and inspired authors. He is the standard of morality with his mercy and compassion. We never could stop this stream of love flowing from him with rejection, ridicule, torture and execution. He out

loved our evil at every turn. Amazing, astonishing, awesome God.

Ian Hartley August 2025