Since the days of the Church Fathers, Moses has been seen as a figure that foreshadows Jesus. In some ways the similarity is obvious: both were leaders, both liberated their people (Moses liberating the Israelites from slavery, Jesus liberating us from sin), both were lawgivers, etc. Yet the story of the Golden Calf provides us with yet another example where Moses foreshadows Christ; Moses offers to sacrifice himself on behalf of the people.
While Moses was on Mt. Sinai, the people began worshipping an idol, the Golden Calf. Of course, this angered God. Moses begs God, “If you would only forgive their sin! If you will not, then strike me out of the book you have written.” Moses is offering to pay the price for those who sinned. Moses’ offer is not accepted, and for good reason. How can Moses pay the price for those who sinned? However, Jesus, foreshadowed by Moses, did pay the price for us sinners and for all sinners - even the idolators. Jesus is the new Moses who lays down his life for us sinners - and his sacrifice is always accepted by the Father.