The Life of Moses: A Biographical Missionary Outline According to the Bible
Introduction
Moses is one of the most significant leaders in the Bible and in the history of Israel. His story is primarily recorded in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Through these writings, the Bible reveals how God calls individuals to carry out divine missions among His people.
Although Moses is often remembered as a prophet and lawgiver, his life also demonstrates many characteristics of missionary ministry. A missionary is someone who is called by God, sent to deliver His message, and tasked with leading others into a relationship with Him. Moses fulfilled this role by confronting Pharaoh, delivering God's message to Israel, and leading the people toward covenant faithfulness.
The life of Moses can be understood through several key stages: his early life and preparation, his calling by God, his mission in Egypt, his leadership in the wilderness, and his enduring spiritual legacy.
Early Life and Preparation (Birth to Age 40)
Moses was born during a time when the Israelites were enslaved in Ancient Egypt. Because the Israelites were growing in number, Pharaoh ordered that all Hebrew baby boys be killed at birth (Exodus 1:8–22).
To save her child, Moses’ mother hid him for three months and then placed him in a basket among the reeds along the Nile River (Exodus 2:1–3). He was discovered by Pharaoh's Daughter, who adopted him and raised him in the Egyptian royal household (Exodus 2:5–10).
Although raised in Pharaoh’s palace, Moses’ Hebrew heritage remained important to him. According to Acts 7:22, “Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action.” This education prepared him with leadership skills and knowledge that would later help him guide the Israelites.
When Moses was about forty years old, he witnessed an Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave. In anger and compassion for his people, Moses killed the Egyptian and hid the body (Exodus 2:11–12). However, when the event became known, Pharaoh attempted to kill him, forcing Moses to flee to the land of Midian (Exodus 2:15; Acts 7:23–29).
This event marked the end of Moses’ early life and the beginning of a period of preparation for his future mission.
Wilderness Preparation in Midian (Age 40–80)
While in Midian, Moses encountered the family of Jethro and later married his daughter Zipporah (Exodus 2:21; 3:1). During this time, Moses worked as a shepherd for Jethro’s flocks.
Moses spent approximately forty years in Midian. This time of humility and isolation helped shape his character. Shepherding in the wilderness taught him patience, endurance, and dependence on God—qualities that would later be essential when leading the Israelites through the desert.
Moses’ calling began when God appeared to him through a burning bush on Mount Horeb (Exodus 3:1–2). God spoke to Moses and declared that He had seen the suffering of His people in Egypt:
“I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt… So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt” (Exodus 3:7–10).
Moses initially hesitated, expressing doubts about his ability to fulfill this mission. He questioned his authority (Exodus 3:11), wondered what name of God he should give the Israelites (Exodus 3:13), and expressed concern about his speaking ability (Exodus 4:10).
God reassured Moses by revealing His name, “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14), and promising His presence (Exodus 3:12). God also appointed Moses’ brother Aaron to serve as his spokesperson (Exodus 4:14–16).
This moment represents Moses’ commissioning as God's messenger.
Mission to Egypt: Confrontation and Deliverance
Obeying God’s command, Moses returned to Egypt with Aaron and confronted Pharaoh. Their message was clear: “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Let my people go, so that they may hold a festival to me in the wilderness” (Exodus 5:1).
Pharaoh refused to release the Israelites, which led to the series of divine judgments known as the Ten Plagues (Exodus 7–11). These included the Nile turning to blood, swarms of frogs and locusts, darkness over the land, and other devastating events.
The final plague, the death of the firstborn sons, led to the institution of Passover (Exodus 12:1–13). The Israelites were instructed to sacrifice a lamb and place its blood on their doorposts so that the destroying angel would pass over their homes.
Following this event, Pharaoh allowed the Israelites to leave Egypt. This event is known as the The Exodus (Exodus 12:31–42).
However, Pharaoh soon changed his mind and pursued the Israelites with his army. God performed a miraculous deliverance at the Red Sea, where the waters parted and allowed the Israelites to cross safely (Exodus 14:21–22). When the Egyptian army followed, the waters returned and destroyed them (Exodus 14:26–28).
This event demonstrated God's power and confirmed Moses’ leadership among the people.
Leadership in the Wilderness
After leaving Egypt, Moses led the Israelites through the wilderness toward the Promised Land. One of the most significant events occurred when the Israelites arrived at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:1–3).
At Mount Sinai, God established a covenant with Israel and gave Moses the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1–17). These commandments provided moral guidance and established the foundation for Israel’s relationship with God.
Moses served as a mediator between God and the people. When the Israelites created and worshiped a golden calf while Moses was on the mountain, he interceded for them and pleaded with God not to destroy them (Exodus 32:11–14).
Moses also organized the nation’s leadership. Following the advice of Jethro, he appointed capable men to serve as judges and leaders over groups of people to help resolve disputes (Exodus 18:17–26).
Despite God's provision, the Israelites frequently complained about food, water, and hardships during their journey (Numbers 11:1–6). Moses continually prayed for the people and sought God’s guidance.
Challenges and Personal Failure
Throughout the wilderness journey, Moses faced numerous leadership challenges. One example was the rebellion led by Korah, who questioned Moses’ authority (Numbers 16:1–3).
In another instance, Moses himself failed to obey God. At Meribah, the Israelites complained about the lack of water. God instructed Moses to speak to a rock so that water would flow out for the people (Numbers 20:7–8).
Instead, Moses struck the rock twice with his staff (Numbers 20:11). Because of this disobedience, God told Moses that he would not enter the Promised Land (Numbers 20:12).
This moment demonstrates that even great leaders must remain faithful and obedient to God.
Final Years and Legacy
As Moses approached the end of his life, he prepared the Israelites for their future in the Promised Land. Much of his final teaching is recorded in the book of Deuteronomy, where he reminded the people of God's laws and encouraged them to remain faithful (Deuteronomy 6:4–9).
Moses also appointed Joshua as the next leader of Israel (Deuteronomy 31:7–8).
Before his death, God allowed Moses to view the Promised Land from Mount Nebo (Deuteronomy 34:1–4). Moses died there at the age of 120 (Deuteronomy 34:7).
The Bible concludes his story by saying, “Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face” (Deuteronomy 34:10).
Conclusion
The life of Moses reveals how God prepares and sends individuals to accomplish His purposes. From his miraculous rescue at birth to his leadership of Israel through the wilderness, Moses’ life demonstrates faith, obedience, and perseverance.
As a missionary figure, Moses was sent by God to proclaim His message, challenge oppression, and lead people toward a covenant relationship with their Creator. Despite facing numerous challenges and even personal failure, Moses remained devoted to his mission.
His life continues to serve as an example of faithful leadership and dedication to God's calling.
------------------
Outline: The Life of Moses as a Missionary
I. God Preserves Moses for His Mission
(Exodus 1–2)
A. Israel suffers under slavery in Ancient Egypt (Exodus 1:8–14)
B. Pharaoh orders the death of Hebrew baby boys (Exodus 1:22)
C. Moses is born and hidden by his mother (Exodus 2:1–2)
D. Moses is placed in the Nile River in a basket (Exodus 2:3)
E. Moses is discovered by Pharaoh's Daughter (Exodus 2:5–6)
F. Moses grows up in Pharaoh’s palace (Exodus 2:10)
G. Moses is educated in Egyptian wisdom (Acts 7:22)
II. Moses Identifies with God’s People
(Exodus 2)
A. Moses visits the Hebrew slaves (Exodus 2:11)
B. Moses kills an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew (Exodus 2:12)
C. Moses’ action becomes known (Exodus 2:13–14)
D. Moses flees to Midian (Exodus 2:15)
III. God Prepares Moses in the Wilderness
(Exodus 2–3)
A. Moses meets the family of Jethro (Exodus 2:16–20)
B. Moses marries Zipporah (Exodus 2:21)
C. Moses works as a shepherd for forty years (Acts 7:30)
D. God hears the suffering of Israel (Exodus 2:23–25)
IV. God Calls Moses to His Mission
(Exodus 3–4)
A. God appears to Moses in the burning bush at Mount Horeb (Exodus 3:1–2)
B. God tells Moses He has seen Israel’s suffering (Exodus 3:7)
C. God sends Moses to deliver Israel (Exodus 3:10)
D. God reveals His name: “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14)
E. Moses doubts his ability to speak (Exodus 4:10)
F. God appoints Aaron to help him (Exodus 4:14–16)
V. Moses Confronts Pharaoh with God’s Message
(Exodus 5–11)
A. Moses tells Pharaoh, “Let my people go” (Exodus 5:1)
B. Pharaoh refuses to obey God (Exodus 5:2)
C. God sends the Ten Plagues upon Egypt (Exodus 7:14–12:30)
D. The final plague leads to the institution of Passover (Exodus 12:12–13)
VI. God Delivers Israel from Egypt
(Exodus 12–14)
A. Israel leaves Egypt in the The Exodus (Exodus 12:31–42)
B. Pharaoh pursues the Israelites with his army (Exodus 14:5–9)
C. God parts the waters of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21)
D. Israel crosses safely on dry ground (Exodus 14:22)
E. The Egyptian army is destroyed (Exodus 14:26–28)
VII. Moses Leads Israel in the Wilderness
(Exodus 16–Numbers)
A. God provides manna for Israel in the wilderness (Exodus 16:4)
B. Israel arrives at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:1)
C. God gives Moses the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1–17)
D. Moses intercedes for Israel after the golden calf (Exodus 32:11–14)
E. Moses appoints leaders to help judge the people (Exodus 18:21–22)
VIII. Challenges During Moses’ Leadership
(Numbers)
A. Israel complains about hardships (Numbers 11:1)
B. Rebellion led by Korah (Numbers 16:1–3)
C. Moses strikes the rock at Meribah (Numbers 20:11)
D. God declares Moses will not enter the Promised Land (Numbers 20:12)
IX. Moses Prepares the Next Generation
(Deuteronomy)
A. Moses reminds Israel to obey God (Deuteronomy 6:4–6)
B. Moses appoints Joshua as the next leader (Deuteronomy 31:7–8)
C. Moses views the Promised Land from Mount Nebo (Deuteronomy 34:1–4)
D. Moses dies at the age of 120 (Deuteronomy 34:7)
X. Legacy of Moses’ Mission
A. Moses was a prophet who spoke with God face to face (Deuteronomy 34:10)
B. Moses faithfully delivered God’s people from slavery (Exodus 3:10)
C. Moses established God’s covenant and law for Israel (Exodus 24:7–8)
| 
