This article argues, carefully and biblically, that the answer is no. Not because Moses was wrong, but because Jesus is greater. And to put Moses alongside Jesus is to misunderstand both. This is not a minor theological disagreement. It strikes at the heart of discipleship, authority, covenant, and the meaning of obedience.
What It Means to Be a Disciple
Jesus did not call people to admire Him, supplement Him, or balance Him with other authorities. He called them to follow Him.
“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father and mother… yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple.” (Luke 14:26)
Discipleship is exclusive allegiance. Jesus demands supreme authority over every other voice, religious, cultural, traditional, or historical.
So the question becomes: Who defines obedience for the disciple, Moses or Jesus? You cannot answer “both” without creating a divided authority.
Moses was a servant. Jesus Is the Son
Scripture itself draws a clear line between Moses and Christ.
“Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house… but Christ is faithful as a Son over God’s house.” (Hebrews 3:5–6)
This distinction is crucial.
- Moses served within God’s house
- Jesus owns the house
A servant delivers instructions. A Son establishes the household order. To follow Moses alongside Jesus is to treat the servant as equal to the Son. Scripture never allows this.
The Mountain Where Authority Was Settled
At the Transfiguration, Jesus appears in glory. Moses and Elijah stand with Him, representing the Law and the Prophets. Peter proposes equality: three tents, three figures, three authorities. But God interrupts. “This is My beloved Son… listen to Him.” (Matthew 17:5) Then Moses and Elijah disappear. The message is unmistakable:
- The Law and the Prophets step aside when the Son speaks.
- God did not say, “Listen to them all.”
- He said, “Listen to Him.”
Jesus Did Not Co-Teach Moses; He Fulfilled Him
Jesus never positioned Himself as Moses’ partner.
“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.” (Matthew 5:17)
Fulfillment is not continuation. It is completion. When a promise is fulfilled, you don’t keep waiting for it. When a shadow gives way to substance, you don’t cling to the shadow. Jesus did not say: “I will enforce Moses forever.” - “My disciples must live under Sinai.”
Instead, He repeatedly said: “You have heard that it was said… but I say to you.”
That is not commentary. That is authority.
Two Covenants, Two Legal Authorities
Moses did not merely give moral advice. He mediated a covenant with laws, blessings, curses, priesthood, sacrifices, and national boundaries. Jesus did not repair that covenant. He established a new one. “This cup is the new covenant in My blood.” (Luke 22:20)
A covenant is a legal framework. You cannot live under two covenants with equal authority at the same time. To attempt it is spiritual confusion.
“When there is a change of priesthood, there is necessarily a change of law.” (Hebrews 7:12)
New priesthood. New law. New authority.
The Apostles Settled This Question
When Gentiles began following Jesus, the critical question arose: Must they also submit to the Law of Moses?
The apostles answered decisively.
“Why do you put God to the test by placing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?” (Acts 15:10).
The conclusion? Moses is not the governing authority for followers of Jesus. If the apostles refused to place Moses over Gentile believers, how can anyone today insist on Moses alongside Christ?
Law from Sinai vs. Law from Christ
Scripture speaks of “the law of Christ.”
“Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
This law is not Sinai repackaged.
- It flows from Christ’s teaching
- It is empowered by the Spirit
- It is shaped by love
- It is written on the heart
“The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” (2 Corinthians 3:6)
Moses wrote on stone. Christ writes on hearts.
The Real Problem with Equal Authority
Putting Moses beside Jesus does not honor the law. It diminishes Christ. If Moses defines sin where Jesus is silent, Christ is no longer Lord. If Moses commands where Jesus does not, Christ is no longer sufficient. If Moses binds conscience where Jesus has set free, Christ’s cross is no longer enough.
You cannot say “Jesus is Lord” while allowing Moses to overrule Him. “You are not under law but under grace.” (Romans 6:14)
This is not lawlessness; it is lordship.
Jesus Is Not Moses’ Equal, He Is Moses’ Goal
Moses himself pointed forward.
“The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me… you shall listen to Him.” (Deuteronomy 18:15)
Moses knew his role was temporary. Jesus is not the continuation of Moses. He is the destination.
Final Verdict: One Master, One Authority
Jesus did not say: “Follow Me and keep Moses as My equal.” He said, “Follow Me.”
A disciple cannot serve two lawgivers. A covenant cannot share authority. A throne cannot be shared. Moses was faithful. The Law was holy. But Jesus is Lord. To follow Jesus fully is not to reject Moses, it is to recognize that Moses has finished his work.
“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” (Romans 10:4)
Not partial. Not shared.
Final One Last Question for the Reader
If Jesus and Moses disagree, whose voice do you obey?
Your answer reveals not your theology alone, but your Master.
Former Adventists Philippines
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