The Life of Moses
Carousel of images for this Bible Exhibit
The Baptism of Jesus
Jesus’ baptism is depicted in the 19th-century painting. John the Baptist is wearing traditional robes made of camel hair, pouring water over Jesus, who stands before him. The dove from heaven has descended on Jesus, representing the Holy Spirit's presence.
The Spirit Descending on Jesus
This painting from 1895 shows John the Baptist pouring water over Jesus, whose head is illuminated, representing his divine nature. The Holy Spirit, represented by the dove, is descending on Jesus.
The Baptism of Christ
This Renaissance painting from 1591 imagines the scene at the Jordan River where John the Baptizer is pouring water over Jesus as the dove descends from God the Father, pictured in the clouds.
The Baptism of Christ
This Baroque period painting from 1622-1623 imagines the scene of John pouring water over Jesus while the Spirit descends in the form of a dove.
The Baptism of Christ
This 19th-century painting depicts God’s light shining down on Jesus as he rises up out of the water.
Bethany Beyond the Jordan
The baptism site known as “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” ruins on the eastern side of the Jordan River across from Jericho. This location has been preserved as the place where John the Baptist baptized Jesus.
The Baptism Site of Jesus
This is a side view of Jesus’ baptism site, known as “Bethany Beyond the Jordan,” on the eastern side of the Jordan River, across from Jericho.
The Modern Jordan River
This picture is of the modern Jordan River near the traditional baptismal site. In Jesus' day, the river would have been significantly wider with a greater water flow.
A Monument Marking Jesus’ Baptism
A cross marking the area of Jesus' baptism site overlooking the Jordan River.
St. John The Baptist Greek Orthodox Church
This is one of several churches or chapels rebuilt in this area, marking Jesus’ baptism.
Listen to this Bible Exhibit
Moses (1526–1406 BC) stands as one of the greatest figures in all of Scripture, a man through whom God revealed His name, His law, and His salvation. Born during a time when Pharaoh had ordered the death of all Hebrew male infants, Moses’ life was preserved by God’s divine providence. His mother hid him in a basket along the Nile, and the child was drawn out of the water by Pharaoh’s daughter and raised in the Egyptian court Exodus 2:1-10.
Though raised in privilege, Moses did not forget his people. After killing an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave, he fled to the wilderness of Midian Exodus 2:11-15. There, in obscurity, he married Zipporah and became a shepherd. It was in this wilderness that God spoke to him from a burning bush, calling him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt Exodus 3:1-12.
Despite his fears and failures, Moses obeyed with his brother Aaron by his side. Through him, God performed signs and wonders in Egypt, sending ten plagues upon Pharaoh and his land. At last, with the death of Egypt’s firstborns, Pharaoh let the people go Exodus 12:29-32. Moses led them through the parted Red Sea and into the wilderness, where God provided water, manna, and guidance by cloud and fire Exodus 14:21-22, Exodus 16:4-5, Exodus 13:21-22.
At Mount Sinai, Moses received the Ten Commandments, the covenant that would shape Israel’s identity as God’s chosen people Exodus 20:1-17. Yet, even as Moses communed with God on the mountain, the people fell into idolatry with a golden calf. Moses interceded for them, pleading for mercy Exodus 32:11-14. This pattern would continue for forty years—God’s faithfulness amid Israel’s rebellion, and Moses standing in the gap.
Though Moses longed to enter the Promised Land, his act of disobedience at Meribah barred him from entering Numbers 20:10-12. Still, he remained faithful, declaring the law once more and blessing the next generation of Hebrews before he died on Mount Nebo at 120 years of age Deuteronomy 34:5-8. The Lord Himself buried Moses, and Scripture declares, “Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face” Deuteronomy 34:10.
Moses was more than a prophet; he was a mediator, a shepherd, and a foreshadowing of Christ. He led his people from slavery to the edge of promise, revealing a God who delivers, speaks, and stays with His people. His story points to the greater Deliverer, Jesus, who brings a new covenant and an eternal Promised Land.
