Deuteronomy 18

Moses was a unique prophet. Not only did he prophesy, but he also lead Israel in every way. He was the bridge by which Israel would talk to God. He knew God. He spoke with God. He represented the covenant and the law.

“Jehovah your God will raise up to you a Prophet from the midst of you, of your brothers, One like me. To Him you shall listen,” (Deut 18:15).

A new Prophet was to come. This Prophet was to be like God, as stated in verse 15. This prophet was to be no other than Jesus Christ. Let us look as to why these verses point to Jesus.

Moses is at the end of his life and the people are starting to wonder how they will fair without him. It only seems natural that the Lord would mention the Messiah, Jesus, at a time like this. He was to be “like” God. You may declare, “He was not like God, He was God.” The word, “like” means “in comparison to,” or “equal in worth.” Nobody is equal in worth to the Lord, unless He is the Lord. Moses came and sought to behold the Face of God, however, was only able to look at the back of His glory. This new Prophet would be the Son of God, equal in worth, and capable of looking at the face of God.

Next we notice that this next Prophet would be like Moses. We already discussed what Moses did in his fine career. Jesus, like Moses, would be the mediator between God and Man. He would be equal to God, but also, equal to man. He would set up a new law, the law of grace, and by that men would have fellowship with God. Although He would fulfill the law, He would represent grace. Finally, look at verse 18:

“I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brothers, One like you, and will put My words in His mouth. And He shall speak to them all that I shall command Him.”

When I read this verse I immediately think of John 8:38, “And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things which please Him.” If Jesus only did what His Father told Him to do, how much more should we! Jesus did nothing of Himself. He was 100% following the Father, just like Deuteronomy 18:18 tells us.

As we move on studying the Scripture remember, everything points to Jesus. We have now observed Jesus in Genesis as that perfect sacrifice (Gen. 22), in Exodus as the deliverer, in Leviticus as the great High Priest, in Numbers as the God’s appointed Leader, and in Deuteronomy as the New, greater Moses. He is the only prophet to be like Moses, but more importantly, He is the only prophet to be like God. Praise the Lord!