Go Down, Moses: A Reflection on Jesus as the Better Moses

Introduction:

As the pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, Dr. Vernon Johns (the grandfather of the civil rights movement) was ushered away by police for preaching his message on the killing of black people; there was a hushed reverence in the old church, where wooden pews creak under the weight of years, the congregation gathers, hearts heavy with the struggles of life yet hopeful in the promises of God. The air was thick with the anticipation of worship, transcending mere routine and reaching into the soul's deepest yearnings for freedom and deliverance.

As Dr. Johns was ushered away, a soft, plaintive melody began to rise, the familiar strains of the negro spiritual "Go Down, Moses." The voices of the congregation were laden with history and pain, telling a story older than the church walls themselves—a story of a people longing for liberation:

"When Israel was in Egypt's land, Let my people go; Oppressed so hard they could not stand, Let my people go."

In Exodus 5:1-5, Moses and Aaron stood before Pharaoh, demanding in the name of the Lord, "Let my people go, that they may hold a feast to me in the wilderness." Pharaoh's heart was hardened, his response dismissive, "Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, and moreover, I will not let Israel go." The weight of their plight seemed insurmountable, yet Moses persisted, fueled by divine mandate and a promise of freedom.

Immersed in the song, the Dexter Avenue congregation could feel the tension of that ancient confrontation and the unwavering faith that drove Moses. This faith is echoed in Hebrews 3:1-5, where the writer urges believers to fix their thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession. Moses was faithful in all God’s house as a servant, bearing witness to what God would speak in the future. Jesus, however, is faithful as the Son over God’s house, and we are His house if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.

As the congregation sings, the spiritual refrain intertwines with this revelation. "Go down, Moses," takes on a new dimension. It is a call for historical deliverance and a proclamation of the ultimate deliverance brought by Jesus, the better Moses. Just as Moses led his people out of physical bondage, Jesus leads us out of spiritual bondage, breaking the chains of sin and death.

In this blending of song, scripture, and Savior, be reminded that our cry for freedom is not just an echo of the past but a living reality in Christ. Jesus, the better Moses, has come to lead His people into the true Promised Land, where justice, peace, and freedom reign eternally.

Scripture Readings:

Exodus 5:1–5 (ESV)

Afterward Moses and Aaron went and said to Pharaoh, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘Let my people go, that they may hold a feast to me in the wilderness.’ ” But Pharaoh said, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, and moreover, I will not let Israel go.” Then they said, “The God of the Hebrews has met with us. Please let us go a three days’ journey into the wilderness that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God, lest he fall upon us with pestilence or with the sword.” But the king of Egypt said to them, “Moses and Aaron, why do you take the people away from their work? Get back to your burdens.” And Pharaoh said, “Behold, the people of the land are now many, and you make them rest from their burdens!”

"Just as Moses was faithful in his mission to deliver the Israelites from Egypt, as recounted in Exodus 5:1-5, we are reminded in Hebrews 3:1-5 of the greater faithfulness of Jesus Christ, who leads us to eternal rest and redemption."

Hebrews 3:1–5 ESV

Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God’s house. For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses—as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself. (For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.) Now Moses was faithful in all God’s house as a servant to testify to the things that were to be spoken later,

History of the Song ‘Go Down Moses’

Let’s turn our attention to a powerful song that has echoed through generations, carrying with it a message of liberation and faith: "Go Down, Moses." This spiritual has a rich history that intertwines deeply with the struggles and hopes of African American slaves.

"Go Down Moses" originated as an African American spiritual during the era of slavery in the United States. The song draws its inspiration from the biblical story of Moses, who, under God's command, demanded that Pharaoh let the Israelites go free from their bondage in Egypt. The lyrics famously declare, "When Israel was in Egypt's land, let my people go." This refrain resonated profoundly with enslaved African Americans, who saw themselves in the plight of the Israelites and found hope in the possibility of deliverance.

During the 19th century, "Go Down Moses" became more than just a song; it was a voice of resistance and a cry for freedom. The song was sung in secret gatherings and during work, serving as both a spiritual encouragement and a coded message among slaves. It reminded them of God's power to liberate and of the ultimate freedom that awaited them, whether in this life or the next.

The song gained broader recognition during the Civil War. Harriet Tubman, the famed conductor of the Underground Railroad, was known to sing this spiritual as a signal to slaves that she had arrived to help them escape. It became an anthem of the abolitionist movement and a testament to the enduring spirit of those fighting for freedom.

Today, "Go Down Moses" continues to be a powerful reminder of God's promise of deliverance. It calls us to remember the struggles of those who have gone before us and to find strength in our faith, knowing that God hears the cries of His people and is faithful to deliver them from all forms of bondage.

As we think back on the history and meaning of this song, let us be inspired by its message. Just as God delivered the Israelites through Moses and heard the cries of the oppressed during the era of slavery, He continues to work in our lives today, offering us freedom from sin and eternal hope through Jesus Christ. But I want to talk about Jesus as the better Moses, highlight his faith and obedience, and look toward his promise of freedom.

1. Jesus as the Better Moses:

Brothers and sisters, today we delve into the profound truth of the Greater Deliverance offered to us through Jesus Christ. We begin by reflecting on Moses, who, as recorded in Exodus, led the Israelites out of physical bondage in Egypt. Yet, while Moses delivered them from temporal oppression, our Lord Jesus Christ offers us a deliverance that transcends the physical. As it says in John 8:36, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." Jesus frees us from the bondage of sin and death, offering a liberation that is eternal and complete.

Furthermore, we see that Moses served as a mediator of the Old Covenant, bringing the Law to God's people. However, in Jesus, we find the Perfect Mediator of a New Covenant. John 1:17 tells us, "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." Where Moses brought the Law, highlighting our need for redemption, Jesus brings grace and truth, fulfilling the Law and offering us the means to be truly reconciled with God.

Let us consider the nature of the deliverance Jesus offers compared to that of Israel's deliverance from Egypt. The deliverance Moses provided was temporary, a foreshadowing of the ultimate redemption to come. In contrast, the deliverance that Jesus offers is eternal. Through His sacrifice, we are not just freed from temporary suffering but are granted eternal life and peace with God. In Jesus Christ, we find a Greater Deliverance, a Perfect Mediator, and an Eternal Promise. Let us rejoice in this truth and live in the freedom and grace He so lovingly provides.

2. Faith and Obedience: A Comparison:

Beloved congregation, today we reflect on the profound examples of faith and obedience demonstrated by Moses and Jesus Christ and what they mean for us as believers. We begin by considering Moses. When called by God to confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses faced immense challenges and risks. Yet, despite his fears and doubts, Moses showed remarkable faith and obedience. He trusted in God's promises and took bold actions, standing before the most powerful ruler of his time with nothing but the word of the Lord. His faith was steadfast, and his obedience unwavering, even when the path ahead seemed insurmountable.

In the New Testament, we see the fulfillment of perfect obedience in Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:8 tells us, "And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!" Jesus' obedience was not just exemplary; it was perfect. He obeyed the Father's will completely, enduring the agony of the cross to redeem humanity from sin and death. His sacrifice was the ultimate act of obedience and love, showcasing His unwavering commitment to God's redemptive plan.

Ponder their application in our own lives. We are called to emulate the faith and obedience of both Moses and Jesus. This means trusting God's promises, even when faced with daunting challenges, and committing ourselves to His will, even when it requires personal sacrifice. In a reformed perspective, we understand that our ability to obey comes from the grace of God working within us. It is through His strength that we can stand firm in faith and follow His call. Be encouraged and inspired by Moses' faith and Jesus' perfect obedience. May we strive to live lives that honor God, walking in faith and obedience, knowing that His grace is sufficient for us.

3. The Promise of Freedom:

We begin with the story of Moses, a pivotal figure in the Old Testament who led the Israelites out of physical bondage in Egypt. This act of liberation was more than a dramatic escape from slavery; it was a divine orchestration for spiritual preparation. God, through Moses, not only freed His people from the tyranny of Pharaoh but also prepared their hearts to receive the Law at Mount Sinai. This Law was not a burden but a gift, a means to understand God's will and live in covenantal relationship with Him. The freedom Moses brought was thus twofold: physical liberation and laying a spiritual foundation for God's people.

Fast forward to the New Testament, where we encounter the fulfillment of this freedom in Jesus Christ. While Moses delivered the Israelites from physical captivity, Jesus offers us the ultimate freedom—freedom from sin, death, and eternal separation from God. The Apostle Paul captures this beautifully in Romans 8:1-2: "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death." In Christ, we are liberated from the guilt and power of sin, and we are granted eternal life, reconciled with our Creator.

We understand that this freedom is not something we can achieve through our own efforts. It is a gift of grace, sovereignly bestowed upon us by God. This freedom transforms our lives, calling us to live not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. It empowers us to serve God wholeheartedly, living out His commandments with joy and gratitude.

As we meditate on these truths, let us rejoice in the comprehensive freedom we have received. Just as the Israelites were called to live as God's chosen people, guided by His Law, we too are called to live as those set free by Christ, guided by His Spirit. May our lives reflect the freedom and grace given to us as we follow Moses's example in obedience and embrace the ultimate freedom found in Jesus Christ.

“Go down, Moses, way down in Egypt's land, tell old Pharaoh: Let my people go.”

4. The Comparison:

The call to deliverance, exemplified by Moses, remains relevant today, just as it was then. Modern “Pharaohs” come in various forms, from addiction, injustice, and personal struggles. “Go Down Moses” was written at a time in America when slavery was the driving force of economics. When a certain class of people were seen as less than. The slaves of the day took hold of the story of Moses delivering the children of Israel as a battle cry for them to be delivered from slavery. It was a story where the Slaves of America saw themselves walking in the shoes of the Israelites. They saw and felt the enslavement, the oppression, the struggle for freedom, leadership and deliverance, faith, and the journey to a promised land. These parallels highlight the universal theme of endurance and the pursuit of freedom in the face of Biblical Injustice. Both issues highlight the importance of faith, leadership, time with the Father, and the action of the Holy Spirit to overcome oppression from sin. This song calls for liberation from all types of bondages that hinder our relationship with Christ.

Closing:

Although in this life, we may long for financial liberty, liberty for loved ones bound in sin, or perhaps freedom from a burdensome career, liberty from a government that does not work for the people, our liberty in Christ is not determined by our outward circumstances. We are freer than the wealthiest individual without Jesus, freer than those who seemingly have that perfect family, and even more free than those who have their dream job because the Sovereign of the universe abides with us and in us.

Moses brought about a deliverance of the physical for the visible church in his day from oppressive Egypt. Yet, we find that they were not liberated from their spiritual bondage and were thus miserable upon every encounter of tribulation. Yet for the Christian, we have the grace to rejoice in the Lord always because we have our citizenship in heaven, because the Holy Spirit indwells us and is a guarantee of our future inheritance, and because we, as the patriarchs, have our eyes set on another city whose builder and maker is God, so that regardless of present circumstances our affections are set on things above rather than earthly possessions.

We, as the Church of the new and superior covenant, because of the liberation which Christ has imputed to us, can, as Moses, when he was grown up, refuse to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. By faith, he left Egypt, unafraid of the king's anger, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. By faith, he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them.

“And he went all the way in the palace to become a slave. He identified with the slaves because they were God's people and because God had a plan for them, and he knew what the plan was; the plan was for a land and for a promise, a Kingdom and salvation, everything bound up in the Abrahamic promise. God was going to reward His people with things far greater than what Egypt could offer.” - John F. MacArthur.

We have been given grace to live victoriously even if we may suffer in this flesh.

5 Lord, help us all from bondage flee, Let my people go, and let us all in Christ be free, Let my people go. [Refrain]

Go down, Moses, way down in Egypt's land, tell old Pharaoh: Let my people go.”

Let us pray.....

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude, remembering the powerful message of the spiritual ‘Go Down Moses' and the liberation it symbolizes. Just as You delivered the Israelites from the bondage of Egypt, we thank You for delivering us from the bondage of sin through the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ.

Lord, we praise You for the freedom we have in Christ, a freedom that breaks every chain of sin and brings us into the light of Your grace and truth. We ask that You strengthen us to walk in this freedom daily, guided by Your Spirit and committed to Your will.

Help us remember that in You, there is no condemnation, and we are truly free. Empower us to live as agents of Your love and justice in this world, proclaiming Your deliverance to all who need hope and redemption.

May Your presence go with us as we leave this place, and may we carry the message of Your liberating power in our hearts and lives. Grant us the courage to stand firm in our faith and to share Your love with all we encounter.

In the mighty name of Jesus, our Savior, and Deliverer, we pray. Amen.

Benediction:

May the God who liberated Israel through Moses and brought us grace and truth through Jesus Christ guide your steps in faith and obedience. As you go forth, remember our freedom in Christ and the call to live in His truth. May His grace sustain you, His truth guides us, and His Spirit empowers us. Go in peace, knowing you are free indeed. Amen.