The Meekness of Christ Jesus vs. The Meekness of Moses

 

The Meekness of Christ Jesus vs. The Meekness of Moses

Matthew 11:29“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Numbers 12:1–13 Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses; he remained silent and did not defend himself. God vindicated him, and Moses interceded for Miriam’s healing. 

Aspect	The Meekness of Christ Jesus	The Meekness of Moses
Meaning	The meekness of Christ is the virtue of His humanity produced and sustained by the divine life (Matt. 11:29; 2 Cor. 10:1). It is a blend of divinity and humanity expressed as gentleness, humility, and non-resistance.	Moses’ meekness refers to his attitude of not defending himself, not arguing, and not resisting under God’s authority (Num. 12:3). It is trust and submission to God’s sovereign hand.
Reason	Because Christ lived His human life by the divine life (Matt. 21:5), as the heavenly King He manifested God’s nature through meekness.	Because Moses was “faithful in all God’s house” (Num. 12:7; Heb. 3:2), when attacked or misunderstood he trusted God to vindicate him.
Distinction	Christ’s meekness originates in the inward union of divinity and humanity — heavenly in nature.	Moses’ meekness is the result of divine training and discipline — humanly cultivated under God’s authority.
Explanation	When facing opposition, trial, or the cross, Jesus never fought back (Matt. 26:52–54). His meekness shows that the King conquers not by force but by life.	When Miriam and Aaron spoke against him, Moses did not argue but remained silent, trusting God to defend him (Num. 12:1–13). God Himself judged Miriam.
Examples	① Entering Jerusalem “meek and riding on a donkey” (Matt. 21:5). ② Being arrested and crucified without resistance (Matt. 26:50–56).	① When his siblings challenged his authority (Num. 12). ② Interceding for Miriam’s healing: “O God, please heal her!” (Num. 12:13).
Application	Learn from Christ’s heart—“meek and lowly” (Matt. 11:29). In persecution, be gentle, not quarrelsome, trusting God’s justice. Be meek toward people, yet strong against Satan.	Learn from Moses’ humility—to trust God’s vindication and not defend oneself. Spiritual leadership requires meekness, not argument.
Interrelation	Moses’ meekness foreshadowed and typified Christ’s meekness; Christ fulfills and transcends it in divine-human perfection.	Moses’ meekness reflects the image of Christ’s life. Christ is the reality and consummation of Moses’ meekness.
Key Points	① Meekness manifests divine life. ② The way to the Kingdom is non-resistance. ③ The meek shall inherit the earth (Matt. 5:5).	① Meekness is trust under divine authority. ② Silence under accusation reveals maturity. ③ God Himself defends the meek.
Related Scriptures	2 Corinthians 10:1“Now I, Paul, myself appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ.”  Matthew 21:5“Behold, your King comes to you, meek and mounted on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.” Matthew 5:5“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 26:52–54  When Jesus was arrested, He said, “Put your sword back into its place… Do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father…?”	Isaiah 42:2–3“He will not cry out or raise His voice… A bruised reed He will not break, and a dimly burning wick He will not quench.” Exodus 15:19–21   Miriam, who later challenged Moses, once led songs of praise after crossing the Red Sea. Hebrews 3:2, 5“Moses was faithful in all God’s house.”  2 Timothy 2:24“The Lord’s servant must not strive, but be gentle toward all, apt to teach, forbearing.”

 

Conclusion:

Christ’s meekness reveals the union of divinity and humanity—the character of the heavenly King who conquers through meekness and inherits the world.

Moses’ meekness demonstrates total trust and submission to God, prefiguring Christ as the ultimate meek conqueror.

  

*Please refer to the International Elders and Responsible Brothers Training in May 2025. General Topic: Vital Aspects of Matthew 5-7. Week 2: The Blessings of Those Who Mourn, the Blessings of the Meek, and the Blessings of the Peacemakers Who Are Called Sons of God.