- The new Moses pattern. Matthew structures the gospel around five major teaching blocks = Pentateuch echo. The Sermon on the Mount = the Mosaic moment (teaching from a mountain, like Sinai).
- Coming down from the mountain (8:1) is loaded.
- Exodus 32 contrast. When Moses came down: people worshiping golden calf, priesthood failed, plague broke out.
- When Jesus comes down: a man worships Jesus (not an idol), and is healed of a plague-like disease (not struck with plague).
- Matthew is inviting the comparison and inverting it. New Moses brings a better outcome.