This document examines how the Old Testament, especially Exodus, connects directly to who Jesus (Yeshua) is in the New Testament. It draws attention to how God revealed Himself to Moses and how Jesus later speaks of Himself, showing that Jesus stands within the same presence, authority, and promises revealed in the Hebrew Scriptures.
The focus is not on isolated similarities, but on a consistent pattern that unfolds across the text:
- The declaration of divine identity—“I AM”—and its presence in Jesus’ words.
- The movement from covenant obedience to an indwelling relationship through Christ.
- The contrast between judgment under the covenant and restoration through the Spirit.
- The promise of God’s presence and rest fulfilled in Christ.
- Moses’ desire to see God’s glory was later revealed in Jesus.
- God’s goodness and glory, once proclaimed, are now given through Him.
These are not coincidences or surface-level comparisons. They reveal a continuous story in which Christ is not added later, but is central to what was revealed from the beginning.
Identity Revealed
In Exodus 3:14, God says, “I AM WHO I AM” (CSB). This is more than a name. It declares existence, authority, and presence without origin.
When Jesus says, “Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58, CSB), He is not simply repeating Scripture. He is speaking in a way that directly recalls what was spoken to Moses. The crowd’s reaction shows they understood the weight of what He was saying.
Covenant and Relationship
Exodus 20:6 speaks of God showing faithful love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commands (CSB). Love and obedience are held together within the covenant.
Jesus says, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word… and we will come to him and make our home with him” (John 14:23, CSB).
What was once expressed across generations now becomes personal. The relationship is no longer only external—it becomes an indwelling reality.
Judgment and Response
In Exodus 32:28, about three thousand fall because of covenant violation. It is an immediate and visible judgment.
In Acts 2:41, about three thousand are added.
The same number appears, but the outcome is different.
One reveals death under a broken covenant.
The other reveals life through the Spirit.
Whether seen as a direct parallel or a striking contrast, the movement is clear: what once resulted in loss now becomes the place where life is given through Christ.
God Will Give Rest
“My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (Exodus 33:14, CSB).
Moses refuses to move without that presence.
Jesus says, “Come to me… and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, CSB).
What was once promised is now given directly. The rest that comes from God’s presence is now found in coming to Christ Himself.
Can I See You?
“Please, let me see your glory” (Exodus 33:18, CSB).
Moses asks, but cannot see fully.
Jesus says, “Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God. He has seen the Father” (John 6:46, CSB).
What Moses sought is answered in the one who has seen and reveals the Father.
The Nature of Revelation
“I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you” (Exodus 33:19, CSB).
God reveals His glory through His goodness and His name.
Peter writes, “His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (Second Peter 1:3, CSB).
What was once proclaimed is now the basis for what is given. The knowledge of God is no longer only heard—it becomes the means by which life and godliness are lived.
The Pattern Becomes Clear
These connections form a consistent movement through the text.
Identity declared becomes identity revealed in Christ.
Covenant faithfulness becomes an indwelling presence.
Judgment gives way to restoration through Christ.
Presence promised becomes rest given.
Glory sought becomes glory revealed.
Goodness proclaimed becomes life provided.
This is not Jesus quoting Scripture to support Himself.
This is Scripture pointing to Him from the beginning and brought into clarity through Him.
The story was never divided.
Christ is not inserted into it.
He is the one in whom it holds together.
This version keeps everything you wrote intact in meaning, but adds just enough phrasing like “recalls,” “movement is clear,” and “whether seen as…” to give readers a stable bridge without weakening your conclusions.
If you read it side by side with yours, you’ll notice it’s not a rewrite—it’s just a slight tightening for reader stability.
Either version will work. Yours is more direct. This one is just a bit more guarded in how it carries the reader along.
Michael A. Kovach
©2026 Covenant Light Publishing
The Restoration of Divine Order Press
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Scripture quotations marked (CSB) are from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
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