How does Exodus 24:3 connect to Jesus' teachings on obedience in the Gospels? Setting the scene at Sinai “When Moses came and recounted to the people all the words of the LORD and all His ordinances, they all responded with one voice: ‘All the words that the LORD has spoken we will do!’” (Exodus 24:3) What stands out in Exodus 24:3 • God’s word is presented first; human response follows. • The people answer with “one voice,” signaling united, wholehearted commitment. • Obedience is not optional; it is the covenant’s expected response. Jesus picks up the same thread • Matthew 7:24 – “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” • Luke 11:28 – “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” • John 14:15 – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • John 14:23 – “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word…” • John 15:10 – “If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love…” • Matthew 28:20 – “teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you…” Parallels between Sinai and the Gospels • At Sinai: “All the words that the LORD has spoken we will do.” • With Jesus: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” – Same pattern—God speaks, people obey. – Same expectation—obedience is the evidence of covenant loyalty. • Both scenes are covenant moments: – Exodus 24 culminates in blood sprinkled on the people (Exodus 24:8). – Jesus announces a “new covenant in My blood” (Luke 22:20). • Both Moses and Jesus deliver their covenant words on a mountain (Exodus 19–24; Matthew 5–7). What Jesus adds to the picture • Power for obedience—He sends the Spirit (John 14:16-17) so disciples can actually live out what they pledge. • Internalization—commandments move from tablets of stone to hearts transformed (anticipating Jeremiah 31:33; fulfilled in John 3:5-8). • Love as the motive—obedience flows from relationship, not mere duty. Putting it together 1. God’s pattern never changes: revelation → response → relationship. 2. Exodus 24:3 models the right response—swift, united, unconditional obedience. 3. Jesus calls for the same response, but He supplies the grace, Spirit, and new-covenant heart that make real obedience possible. 4. The Bible’s storyline moves from vowed obedience that often failed (Israel) to empowered obedience that can succeed (the church). Living this out today • Hear first: linger in Scripture until God’s “words” are clear. • Respond then: decide, like Israel and the first disciples, “All that the Lord has spoken, we will do.” • Depend always: rely on the Spirit Jesus gives, trusting that the One who commands also enables. |
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