Comments You Will Not Hear at the 6-28-09 WT Study (April 15, 2009, pages 24-28)(GREATER MOSES)Review comments will be in red
WT material from today's WT will be in black
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APPRECIATING THE GREATER MOSES
"Jehovah God will raise up for you from among your brothers a prophet like me. You must listen to him.--ACTS 3:22
OPENING COMMENTS
Is Jesus your mediator? What is a WTS prophet?
START OF ARTICLE
Q1. How has Jesus Christ influenced history?
TWO thousand years ago, the birth of a certain male child caused a multitude of angels in heaven to praise God in the hearing of some shepherds. (Luke 2:8-14) Thirty years later, that child, now an adult, began a ministry that lasted just three and a half years and yet changed history. The noted 19th-century historian Philip Scaff was moved to state of this young man: "Without writing a single line, he set more pens in motion, and furnished themes for more sermons, orations, discussions, learned volumes, works of art, and songs of praise, than the whole army of great men of ancient and modern times." That remarkable young man was, of course, Jesus Christ.
First why is Philip Schaff someone worthy to quote? When, where is this quote from? Why quote a 19th century historian for a 21st century article? What about the Koran and the Muslim culture?
Q2. What did the apostle John say about Jesus and His ministry?
The apostle John wrote an account of Jesus' ministry and said in conclusion: "There are, in fact, many other things also which Jesus did, which if ever they were written in full detail, I suppose, the world itself could not contain the scrolls written." (John 21:25) John knew that he could record only a fraction of all that Jesus said and did during those eventful three and half years. Still, the historic events reported by John in his Gospel are of immense value.
If we recorded all we said and did for 3 1/2 years how much space would it take? 16 hours x 3.5 lunar years = 20,160 hours = how many average size book, 1 page = 1 hour?
Q3. How can we deepen our insight into Jesus' role in God's purpose?
Besides the four important Gospel accounts, other Bible passages provide faith-strengthening details about Jesus' life. For instance, the Bible accounts of certain faithful men who lived before Jesus contain information that deepens our insight into Jesus' role in God's purpose. Let us consider some of these.
Another opportunity to dive into OT accounts rather than NT writings.
Men of God Who Prefigured the Christ
Q4,5. Who foreshadowed Jesus, and in what ways?
4) John and the other three Gospel writers point to Moses, David, and Solomon as men who foreshadowed Jesus as God's Anointed One and designated King. In what way did those ancient servants of God provide foregleams of Jesus, and what can we learn from these accounts?
5) In brief, the Bible tells us that Moses was a prophet, a mediator, and a deliverer. So is Jesus. David was a shepherd and a king who conquered Israel's enemies. Jesus too is a shepherd and a conquering king. (Ezek.
37:24,25) While still faithful, Solomon was a wise ruler, and under his kingship Israel enjoyed peace. (1 Ki. 4:25,29) Jesus too is supremely wise and is called "Prince of Peace." (Isa. 9:6) Clearly, Christ Jesus' role resemble that of those earlier men but Jesus' place in God's purpose is superlative. First, let us compare Jesus with Moses and see how such a comparison helps us to appreciate more fully Jesus' role in God's purpose.
So does the WTS picture Moses as a mediator for all or just anointed jws?
David was a conquering king but God gave the "privilege" of building the temple to his son Solomon because of the "blood" of battle on David's hands. How does that picture Jesus being able to build the "Christian" temple?
Did Solomon's time enjoy peace because he had made so many political marriage alliances with non-Israelite nations, a big no-no?
http://www.jwfacts.com/index_files/mediator.htm
Moses--A Forerunner of Jesus
Q6. How did the apostle Peter explain the necessity of listening to Jesus?
Shortly after Pentecost 33 C.E., the apostle Peter quote a prophecy by Moses that was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Peter was standing before a crowd of worshippers in the temple. The people were "surprised out of the wits" when Peter and John healed a beggar who was lame from birth, and they all ran to investigate. Peter explained that this astonishing act was a result of Jehovah's holy spirit operating through Jesus Christ. Then, quoting from the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament for some), he said: "In fact, Moses said, 'Jehovah God will raise up for you from among your brothers a
prophet like me. You must listen to him according to all the things he speaks to you."--Acts 3:11,22,23; read
Deuteronomy 18:15,18,19.
Notice how by using snippets of scriptures in a paragraph, the WTS lends to appearance that the whole
paragraph is part of the Bible. Not much different from the "Bible" dramas that add characters, events, and dialogue to
the Bible that were never in the Bible.
Also, the insertion of "Jehovah" in Acts follows the WTS rule that this occurs in the OT quotation....but does that mean
that every insertion of "Jehovah" by the WTS in the NT portion of the Bible follows this rule?
Quote
*** Rbi8 p. 1564 1D The Divine Name in the Christian Greek Scriptures ***
RESTORING THE DIVINE NAME
Throughout the centuries many translations of parts or of all the Christian Greek Scriptures have been made into
Hebrew. Such translations, designated in this work by "J" with a superior number, have restored the divine name to the
inspired Christian Greek Scriptures in various places. They have restored the divine name not only when coming upon
quotations from the Hebrew Scriptures but also in other places where the texts called for such restoration.
Q7. Why could Peter's audience understand his statements about a prophet greater than Moses?
Those words of Moses were likely familiar to Peter's audience. As Jews, they had a high regard for Moses. (Deut.
34:10) With keen anticipation, they looked forward to the coming of a prophet greater than Moses. That prophet would
prove to be not just a messiah, an anointed one of God like Moses, but the Messiah, "the Christ of God, the
Chosen One" of Jehovah.--Luke 23:35; Heb. 11:26.
Doesn't the WTS consider themselves a prophet greater than Moses, anointed, and the chosen ones, even
"the Christ"?
http://www.jwfacts.com/index_files/prophet.htm
http://www.carm.org/religious-movements/jehovahs-witnesses/jehovahs-witnesses-are-christ
Similarities Between Jesus and Moses
Q8. What are some similarities between the life of Moses and Jesus?
In some respects, the earthly life of Jesus resembled the life of Moses. For instance, as babes, both Moses and
Jesus escaped death at the hands of a tyrannical ruler. (Ex. 1:22-2:10; Matt. 2:7-14) In addition, both were 'called out of
Egypt.' The prophet Hosea stated: "When Israel was a boy, then I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son." (Hos.
11:1) Hosea's words pointed back to the time when the nation of Israel, under its divinely appointed leader, Moses, was
lead out of Egypt. (Ex. 4:22,23; 12:29-37) However, Hosea's words referred not only to a past event but also to a future
one. His words were a prophecy that was fulfilled when Joseph and Mary returned from Egypt with Jesus after the
death of King Herod.--Matt. 2:15,19-23.
Did you know that the WTS compares it being freed from "Babylon the Great" in 1919 to coming out of
Egypt?
Quote
*** w83 7/1 p. 22 par. 17 The Live Men of Faith Who Will Never Die ***
Such non-Israelite companions picture those today who hear the message of God's Kingdom in the hands of his
Greater Cyrus, Jesus Christ, and have associated themselves with the remnant of spiritual Israelites since their release
from the control of modern Babylon the Great and her worldly allies in the postwar year of 1919. They also resemble
the non-Israelites, "a vast mixed company," that accompanied the Israelites when these left Egypt under the leadership
of Moses in 1513 B.C.E.-Exodus 12:37, 38; compare Revelation 7:9-17.
Q9. (a) What miracles did Moses and Jesus perform? (b) Give other similarities between Jesus and Moses. (See
the box "Additional Ways in Which Jesus was Like Moses," on page 26.)
Both Moses and Jesus performed miracles, thus demonstrating that they had Jehovah's backing. Indeed, Moses was
the first human on record to perform miracles. (Ex. 4:1-9) For example, Moses performed miracles involving water
when at his command the waters of the Nile and its reedy pools became blood, the Red Sea was parted, and water
came gusing out of rock in the desert. (Ex. 7:19-21; 14:21; 17:5-7) Jesus too performed miracles involving water. His
very first miracle was that of turning water into wine at a wedding feast. (John 2:1-11) Later, he calmed the turbulent Sea
of Galilee. And on one occasion, he even walked on water! (Matt. 8:23-27; 14-23-25) Some other similarities between
Moses and the Greater Moses, Jesus, can be seen in the box on page 26.
Box on page 26
Additional Ways in Which Jesus Was Like Moses
Both left behind high positions for the sake of serving Jehovah and his people.--2 Cor. 8:9; Phil. 2:5-8; Heb. 11:24-26.
Both served as anointed ones, or 'christs.'--Mark 14:16,62; John 4:25,26; Heb. 11:26.
Both came in the name of Jehovah.--Ex. 3:13-16; John 5:43; 17:4,6,26.
Both displayed meekness.--Num. 12:3; Matt. 11:28-30.
Both were involved in feeding multitudes.--Ex. 16:12; John 6:48-51.
Both served as judge and lawgiver.--Ex. 18:13; Mal. 4:4; John 5:22,23; 15:10.
Both were entrusted with headship over God's house.--Num. 12:7; Heb. 3:2-6.
Both are described as faithful witnesses of Jehovah--Heb. 11:24-29; 12:1; Rev. 1:5.
After the death of Moses and the man Jesus, God disposed of their bodies.--Deut. 3:5,6; Luke 24:1-3; Acts 2:31; 1
Cor. 15:50; Jude 9.
I can see how the WTS can and has applied most of these to their anointed FDS. But while they can stretch
that Jesus is a witness of Jah, the references to Jesus' followers in the NT calls them witness of Jesus or Christ.
Quote
(Acts 1:
both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the most distant part of the earth."
(1 Corinthians 1:6) 6 even as the witness about the Christ has been rendered firm among YOU,
(Revelation 1:9) 9 I John, YOUR brother and a sharer with YOU in the tribulation and kingdom and endurance in
company with Jesus, came to be in the isle that is called Patmos for speaking about God and bearing witness to Jesus.
(Revelation 12:17) 17 And the dragon grew wrathful at the woman, and went off to wage war with the remaining ones of
her seed, who observe the commandments of God and have the work of bearing witness to Jesus.
(Revelation 17:6) 6 And I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of the holy ones and with the blood of the
witnesses of Jesus.. . .
(Revelation 19:10) 10 At that I fell down before his feet to worship him. But he tells me: "Be careful! Do not do that! All I
am is a fellow slave of you and of your brothers who have the work of witnessing to Jesus. Worship God; for the
bearing witness to Jesus is what inspires prophesying."
Appreciate Christ as a Prophet
Q10. What is a true prophet, and why was Moses one?
Most people think of a prophet as someone who foretells the future, but that is only part of a prophet's responsibility. A
true prophet is an inspired spokesman for Jehovah, one who proclaims "the magnificent things of God." (Acts
2:11,16,17) Among other things, his prophesying could include announcing future events, revealing aspects of
Jehovah's purpose, or proclaiming God's judgments. Moses was such a prophet. He foretold each of the Ten Plagues
that befell Egypt. He introduced the Law covenant at Sinai. And he instructed the nation in God's will. Yet, a prophet
greater than Moses was to come eventually.
http://www.geocities.com/thewatchtowerstudy/prophet.htm
So is the WTS saying that there are an "inspired" spokesman for God? "could" include annoucing future
events.....
Q11. How did Jesus fulfill the role of a prophet greater than Moses?
Later in the first century, Zechariah acted as a prophet in revealing God's purpose regarding his son, John. (Luke 1:76)
That son became John the Baptizer (why not Baptist), who announced the coming of the long-awaited prophet greater
than Moses--Jesus Christ. (John 1:23-26) As a prophet, Jesus foretold many things. For example, he spoke about his
own death, foretelling how he would die, where he would die, and at whose hands he would die. (Matt. 20:17-19) To the
surprise of his listeners, Jesus also foretold the destruction of Jerusalem with its temple. (Mark 13:1,2) His prophecies
reach right down to our own time.--Matt. 24:3-41.
Why not John the Baptist? Where does the WTS provide proof that these prophecies "reach right down to
our time" and were not just fulfilled in the first century?
Quote
*** w93 8/1 p. 31 Questions From Readers ***
It does not appear, however, that we must distinguish between these ways of referring to John. At Mark 6:24, 25, we
read about Salome: "She went out and said to her mother: 'What should I ask for?' She said: 'The head of John the
baptizer.' Immediately she went in with haste to the king and made her request, saying: 'I want you to give me right away
on a platter the head of John the Baptist.'" The two designations were used interchangeably.
Some people might understand "the Baptist" according to the second definition in a dictionary: "A member or adherent
of an evangelical Protestant denomination marked by congregational polity and baptism by immersion of believers
only." John certainly was not that.
Q12. (a) How did Jesus lay the foundation for a global preaching campaign? (b) Why do we follow Jesus' example
today?
In addiiton to being a prophet, Jesus was a preacher and a teacher. He preached the good news of God's Kingdom,
and no one spoke with greater boldness than he did. (Luke 4:16-21,43) As a teacher, he had no equal. "Never has
another man spoken like this," said some who heard him. (John 7:46) Jesus was zealous in his efforts to spread the
good news, and he inspired his followers with that same zeal for the Kingdom. Thus, he laid the foundation for a global
preaching and teaching campaign. (Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 5:42) Last year, some seven million of Christ's followers
(ONLY JWS) spent about 1,500,000,000 hours in preaching the good news of the Kingdom and teaching interested
ones Bible truths. Do you have a meaningful share in that work?
Bible truths = WT truths So are only 7,000,000 people preaching the good news of the kingdom? Check
this website: www.forum18.org. What is an unmeaningful share? How many hours do jws have to spend placing WT
publications for it to be meaningful? How many hours does it take to convert one jw? 5,139!!! Average hours per jw
per year 10 x 12 = 120 hours
http://www.jwfacts.com/index_files/numbers.JPG
Q13. What will help us to "stay awake"?
There is no question that Jehovah fulfilled the prophecy to raise up a prophet like Moses. How does that knowledge
affect you? Does it give you more confidence in the fulfillment of inspired prophecies that have to do with our
immediate future? Yes, meditating on the example of the Greater Moses moves us to "stay awake and keep our
senses" as to what God will SOON do.--1 Thess. 5:2,6.
Confidence in prophecies like 1874--Christ's presence; 1914--the end; 1925--the end; 1975--the
end?
Value Christ As Mediator
Q14. How was Moses a mediator between the Israelites and God?
Like Moses, Jesus was a mediator. A mediator acts as a bridge between two parties. Moses mediated the Law
covenant between Jehovah and the Israelites. If the sons of Jacob obeyed the laws of God, they would remain God's
special property, his congregation. (Ex. 19:3-
That covenant stayed in force from 1513 B.C.E. until the first century
C.E.
Who does the WTS teach is the primary congregation of God?
Quote
*** w07 8/15 p. 19 Do You Remember? ***
The primary application is to the composite group of anointed Christians (in some texts Christ is included).
Q15. How is Jesus a superior mediator?
In 33 C.E., Jehovah initiated a better covenant with a new Israel, "the Israel of God," made up of anointed Christians.
(Gal. 6:16) While the covenant mediated by Moses included laws written by God on stone, the covenant mediated by
Jesus is superior. Its laws are inscribed by God on human hearts. (Read 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 8:10.) Thus, "the
Israel of God" is now God's special property, 'a nation producing the fruits' of the Messianic Kingdom. (Matt. 21:43)
Members of that spiritual nation are the participants in that new covenant. Still, they are not the only ones to benefit
from it. Untold multitudes, even many who at present are asleep in death, will receive everlasting blessings because of
that superlative covenant.
But here is a scripture-twisting example of the WTS. What does 1 Timothy 2:5 say? "For there is one God,
and one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus." Does it say some men or some humans? The WTS
applies it to prayer; are they suggesting that only some can approach Jesus in prayer?
Quote
*** w75 7/1 p. 402 par. 8 Coming to the Hearer of Prayer ***
To communicate readily with the heavenly Father, one must accept Christ Jesus as Lord. Peace with God can come
only through the appointed way, the ransom provision by the Lord Jesus. (Matt. 20:28; 1 Tim. 2:5, 6)
Esteem Christ as Deliverer
Q16. (a) In what ways did Jehovah use Moses to deliver Israel? (b) According to Exodus 14:13, who is the Source of
salvation?
On their last night before the Exodus, some of the offspring of Israel were in grave danger. Soon, God's angel would
pass through the land of Egypt, killing all the firstborn. Jehovah told Moses that the firstborn of Israel would be saved if
the Israelites took the blood of the Passover lamb and sprinkled it on the lintels and doorposts of their doorways. (Ex.
12:1-13, 21-23) So it proved to be. Later, the whole nation was in serious danger. They were trapped between the Red
Sea and the pursuing Egyptian war chariots. Jehovah again provided deliverance through Moses, who miraculously
parted the waters of that sea.--Ex. 14:13,21.
Yes, hidden in the word "firstborn" is the concept of children, babies. At least the WTS says that these ones
have the hope of the resurrection unlike the babies that died during the flood, at Sodom and Gomorrah, and at
Armageddon who will descend into everlasting destruction never to live again.
Q17,18. In what ways is Jesus a greater deliverer than Moses?
17. Great as those acts of deliverance were, the deliverance Jehovah performed through Jesus is much greater. Jesus
is the means by which obedient ones are delivered from slavery to sin. (Rom. 5:12,13) And that deliverance is "an
everlasting deliverance." (Heb. 9:11,12) The name Jesus means "Jehovah is Salvation." Jesus, as our Deliverer, or
Savior, not only rescues us from our past sins but also opens the way for us to enjoy a better future. By delivering them
from slavery to sin, Jesus saves his followers from the wrath of God and brings them into a loving relationship with
Jehovah.--Matt. 1:21.
obedient = following WTS teachings only.
his (Jesus) followers = ONLY JWS
Do jws have a relationship with Jesus?
18. The deliverance from sin that Jesus provides will in due time include freedom from its grim effects--sickness and
even death. To visualize what that will mean, consider what happened when Jesus went to the home of a certain man
named Jairus, whose 12-year old daughter had died. Jesus reassured Jairus: "Have no fear, only put forth faith, and
she will be saved." (Luke 8:41,42,49,50) True to his words, the girl rose from the dead! Can you imagine the joy of her
parents? Then you have an idea of the surpassing joy that will be ours (ONLY JWS) when "all those in the memorial
tombs will hear [Jesus'] voice and come out" in the resurrection. (John 5:28.29) Truly, Jesus is a Savior, our
Deliverer!--Read Acts 5:31; Titus 1:4; Rev. 7:10.
IN DUE TIME, 1914, 1925, 1975...........
Is faith required for healing to take place per the WTS?
But what about all the 12-year old girls that are not baptized as jws when Armageddon strikes...down to Gehenna into
internal destruction for them!
Q19,20. (a) How does meditating on Jesus' role as the Greater Moses affect us? (b) What will the next article
consider?
19. Knowing that we can be instrumental in helping people to benefit from Jesus' saving acts impels us to share in the
preaching and teaching work. (Isa. 61:1-3) Further, meditating on Jesus' role as the Greater Moses deepens our
confidence that he will deliver his followers (ONLY JWS) when he comes to execute judgment upon the wicked (ALL
NON-JWS).--Matt. 25:31-34,41,46; Rev. 7:9,14.
Quote
*** w89 9/1 p. 19 par. 7 Remaining Organized for Survival Into the Millennium ***
Only Jehovah's Witnesses, those of the anointed remnant and the "great crowd," as a united organization under the
protection of the Supreme Organizer, have any Scriptural hope of surviving the impending end of this doomed system
dominated by Satan the Devil. (Revelation 7:9-17; 2 Corinthians 4:4) They will make up the "flesh" that Jesus Christ
said would be saved through the worst tribulation of all human history.
20. Yes, Jesus is the Greater Moses. He did many marvelous things that Moses could never have done. Jesus' words
as a prophet and his actions as a mediator affect the entire human family. As a Deliverer, Jesus brings not temporary
but eternal salvation for redeemable mankind. Yet, there is more to learn about Jesus from the faithful men of old. The
next article will discuss how he was the Greater David and the Greater Solomon.
redeemable mankind = only JWs and resurrected people, the rest are going straight to eternal
destruction.
Can You Explain?
How is Jesus Greater than Moses as
a prophet?
a mediator?
a deliverer?
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
I am trying a new way of formatting. I hope it works. Another boring article. A friend called and told me I
had an opportunity of hearing a member of the writing committee explain how it is done. Too late, I already know two
people in the writing department, Ray Franz and Barbara Anderson. That's on top of my several behind the scenes
tours. I wonder if they know how Blondie dissects their attempts at Bible education?
Summer is here and things are moving fast. The garden is popping and flowers are growing fast. The season of
fireworks is upon us here. Starting from the 27th through the 4th there must be 10 fireworks events. No more the
season of district conventions for us...enjoying missing them.
Love, Blondie