A Prophet Like Moses: Echoes of Deut 18:15 in the Synoptics and in John

It is well known that the Gospels – both the Synoptics and John – root their theological message deeply in the Old Testament, drawing extensively on it through quotations and allusions. Among the frequently cited Old Testament books, Deuteronomy occupies a prominent place. Yet only a limited number of Deuteronomic passages are referenced by both the Synoptics and John. A notable exception is Deuteronomy 18:15, which announces the coming of a prophet like Moses. This verse is employed by the Synoptics (Matt 17:5; Mark 9:4, 7; Luke 7:39; 9:35; 24:25) and by John (1:21; 5:46) to articulate Jesus as the Christ. This paper first explores the meaning and function of Deuteronomy 18:15 within the broader context of Deut 18:9-22. It then examines how, and in what contexts, both the Synoptics and John engage with this verse. Particular attention is given to the convergences and divergences in the ways the Synoptics and John develop and interpret the Deuteronomic motif of the prophet like Moses.