Podcast Summary: "Jethro, Moses' Father-in-Law"

Renewing Your Mind by Ligonier Ministries
Guest Teacher: Dr. Derek Thomas
Air Date: December 4, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode delves into the biblical account of Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, examining his pivotal yet often overlooked role in Israel's history. Through the lens of Exodus 18, Dr. Derek Thomas explores how Jethro provided crucial wisdom that not only preserved Moses' wellbeing but also shaped the governance of the early Israelite community. The discussion highlights the themes of salvation, wise counsel, leadership, and delegated authority within the people of God.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction to Jethro (00:00–04:23)

• Jethro’s Unique Position: Jethro is often referred to not by his own name, but as “Moses’ father-in-law,” a fact Dr. Thomas finds both noteworthy and relatable.
  • Memorable Moment: Dr. Thomas shares a personal anecdote about his own daughter being known by his name (03:47).

2. Context and Setting (04:23–05:48)

• Historical Placement:

  • Moses flees Egypt at 40 years old after slaying the Egyptian.
  • He lives in Midian for 40 years; by Exodus 18, Moses is 80.
  • The backdrop: the Exodus from Egypt, the crossing of the Red Sea, and the journey toward the Promised Land.

• Geography:

  • Midian is located far from Egypt, highlighting the significance of Moses’ journey (05:09).

3. Jethro’s Salvation (06:16–12:15)

• Jethro’s Transformation:

  • Initially described as “priest of Midian,” Jethro serves a tribal deity, not the God of Israel.
  • After hearing of God’s mighty acts, Jethro comes to faith.

    “Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods…”
    — Jethro [12:15]

  • Jethro rejoices in God’s deliverance of Israel, recognizing Yahweh as the true God (12:15).

• Parallel to the Gospel:

  • Dr. Thomas draws a comparison between Israel’s physical exodus and spiritual redemption in Christ:

    “We were strangers in a foreign land. God sent a savior, a deliverer, brought us through the wilderness and into the promised land...”
    — Dr. Thomas [08:47]

4. Moses’ Burden and Jethro’s Pragmatic Wisdom (13:49–23:43)

• The Administrative Crisis:

  • Moses is left handling every dispute and judgment for a population possibly exceeding a million people:

    “Moses sat to judge the people. And people stood around Moses from morning till evening.”
    — Dr. Thomas [15:37]

  • Dr. Thomas relates to this through personal experience pastoring a large church:

    “I've just retired from a church where there are 3,000 members. That's a lot of people... Imagine the problems, the difficulties with 2 million people.”
    — Dr. Thomas [13:51–14:38]

• Jethro’s Intervention & Proposed Solution:

  • Jethro observes that Moses’ solo leadership is “not good”:

    “What you are doing is not good.”
    — Jethro [16:53]

  • He recommends appointing trustworthy, God-fearing men over groups of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens—a principle of delegated authority to avoid burnout and ensure timely justice.

  • Dr. Thomas humorously calls this the “beginnings of Presbyterianism” (03:14, 19:20).

  • Leadership Qualities Outlined:

    "Look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe..."
    — Jethro [02:15]

  • Dr. Thomas elaborates:

    “You should teach, you should preach, you should explain the law… But you need to appoint able men.”
    — Dr. Thomas [21:28]

• Parallels to the Early Church:

  • Compares Jethro’s advice to the appointment of deacons in Acts 6–7, recognizing the wisdom of shared leadership (19:42).

• Leadership & Marital Advice:

  • Moses receives Jethro’s counsel with humility and grace:

    “Moses liked what he heard and he had the grace to receive what his father in law had told him.”
    — Dr. Thomas [23:11]

  • Dr. Thomas adds with a wry note:

    “Always receive with grace the advice of a concerned and wise father in law. I think that's good marital advice.”
    — Dr. Thomas [23:29]

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Jethro’s conversion:
  “Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods because in this affair they dealt arrogantly with the people.”
  — Jethro (12:15)
• On the burden of leadership:
  “Jethro's concern is that Moses will wear himself out... I think today we would call it burnout...”
  — Dr. Thomas (18:08–18:25)
• On shared governance:
  “It does sound a little bit like the appointment of elders in the New Testament... representative government from all the people.”
  — Dr. Thomas (22:15–22:47)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:00] – Introduction to Jethro and his bold advice
• [01:30] – Bible reading: Exodus 18:18–24 (Jethro’s counsel)
• [04:23] – Context: Moses’ flight and life in Midian
• [06:16] – Jethro’s initial unbelief and journey to salvation
• [08:47] – Parallels to our own redemption stories
• [12:15] – Jethro’s confession of faith; his rejoicing
• [13:49] – The challenge of leading a massive community
• [16:53] – Jethro’s direct criticism: “What you are doing is not good”
• [19:20] – The “Presbyterian” solution of shared leadership
• [22:10] – Summary of Jethro’s advice and its New Testament echoes
• [23:11] – Moses’ humble acceptance & applications for today

Tone and Style

Dr. Thomas delivers the episode with warmth, humor, and rich biblical insight. He weaves personal anecdotes and practical applications seamlessly into the teaching, making the lessons of Jethro accessible for modern listeners. The approach is pastoral, relatable, and rooted in a high view of Scripture.

Closing Insights

Jethro’s brief biblical appearance yields lessons on faith, the humility to receive wise counsel, and the practical necessity of shared responsibility within God’s people. The episode encourages listeners to seek godly wisdom, embrace delegated leadership, and recognize God’s pattern of redemption in both Old and New Testaments.