1. The strong leader dies.

“Such a sight the Old Testament believers had of the kingdom of the Messiah. And such a sight believers have now of the glory that shall be revealed.” (Deut. Explanatory Notes and Commentary, Wesley, 156)

“God’s servants must die that they may rest from their labours, receive their recompense, and make room for others.” (Commentaries on Deuteronomy, Henry, ccxxxi)

2. The nation mourns.

“If the soul be at rest with God, the matter is not great where the body rests.” .” (Commentaries on Deuteronomy, Henry, ccxxxii)

3. The next leader comes.

“When Moses was dead, God buried him; when Christ was dead, God raised him, for the law of Moses was to have an end, but not the gospel of Christ.” (Commentaries on Deuteronomy, Henry, ccxxxi)

4. Moses was special.

“Moses was sent by God, to deliver the Israelites from a cruel bondage; he led them out, and conquered their enemies. He became not only their deliverer, but their lawgiver; not only their lawgiver, but their judge; and, finally, leads them to the border of the land of promise. Our blessed Saviour came to rescue us out of the slavery of the devil, and to restore us to liberty and happiness. He came to confirm every moral precept of the first lawgiver; and to write them, not on tables of stone, but on fleshly tables of the heart. He came to be our Judge also, inasmuch as he hath appointed a day when he will judge all the secrets of men, and reward or punish accordingly. This greatness of Christ above Moses, is a reason why Christians should be obedient and faithful to the holy religion by which they profess to be Christ's followers. God, by his grace, make us all so!” Matthew Henry on Deut. 34:9-12 https://biblehub.com/commentaries/deuteronomy/34-9.htm

Sermon Discussion Questions

1. When has there been a situation in which you have seen a strong leader pass on the mantle of leadership? What were some positive/negative responses from this transfer?

2. How does "His eye was undimmed, and his vigor unabated" speak to you?

3. When have you experienced a mourning like this, with the nation mourning for thirty days?

4. How do you think Joshua dealt with not receiving the direction but was asked to fulfill the promise? Describe a time that you had a similar experience.

5. Moses was identified very highly. You probably don't think of yourself as high. What can we learn from Moses' life that can apply to yours?

6. How can you "Be Like Moses?"