What parallels exist between Ezekiel 22:2 and Jesus' teachings on repentance? Key Verse “As for you, son of man, will you judge her? Will you judge this city of bloodshed? Then you shall show her all her abominations.” (Ezekiel 22:2) Ezekiel’s Confrontation • God appoints Ezekiel—addressed repeatedly as “son of man”—to expose Jerusalem’s sins. • The charge: unveil abominations so the people grasp the seriousness of their guilt. • Ultimate goal: shake the city awake before judgment falls. Jesus Echoes the Same Call • “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” (Matthew 4:17) • “Unless you repent, you too will all perish.” (Luke 13:3, 5) • “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:32) Shared Threads Between Ezekiel 22:2 and Jesus’ Teaching • Direct exposure of hidden sin – Ezekiel: “show her all her abominations.” – Jesus: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites… you are like whitewashed tombs.” (Matthew 23:27) • A messenger titled “Son of Man” – Ezekiel bears the prophetic title. – Jesus adopts it as His preferred self-designation, underlining both identification with humanity and divine authority (Mark 10:45). • Urgent, compassionate warning – Ezekiel warns before the Babylonian siege. – Jesus weeps over Jerusalem: “If only you had known this day what would bring you peace!” (Luke 19:41-42). • Call to corporate and individual repentance – Ezekiel addresses the city’s systemic violence. – Jesus calls whole towns to repent (Matthew 11:20) while also inviting individuals (Luke 19:8-10). • Consequence for refusal – Ezekiel’s audience faces national destruction. – Jesus warns of perishing, outer darkness, and final judgment (John 8:24; Matthew 25:46). • Hope of restoration – Ezekiel later envisions cleansing and a new heart (Ezekiel 36:25-27). – Jesus offers forgiveness and new life through the gospel (Mark 1:15; Luke 24:47). The “Son of Man” Connection • In both eras, God raises a representative who lives among the people, sees their condition up close, and speaks with divine authority. • Ezekiel points forward to a greater “Son of Man” who not only exposes sin but bears it on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21). Implications Today • Sin must be named before it can be forsaken. • Repentance is not optional; it is the doorway to life with God. • The same compassionate urgency that moved Ezekiel and Jesus still calls hearts back to holiness and wholeness. |
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