How does Ezekiel 3:21 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Context of Ezekiel 3:21 • Ezekiel is appointed as a “watchman” for Israel (Ezekiel 3:17). • Verse 21: “But if you warn the righteous man not to sin, and he does not sin, he will indeed live because he heeded the warning, and you will have saved yourself.” • The charge is two-fold: faithfully speak God’s message and safeguard both hearer and messenger from judgment. Context of Matthew 28:19-20 • Jesus, risen and reigning, commands: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them … teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” • The disciples receive authority, a mandate to teach obedience, a global audience, and Christ’s continuing presence. Parallel Themes • Divine Commission – Ezekiel: appointed directly by God. – Disciples: commissioned by the risen Lord. • Responsibility for Others’ Souls – Watchman warns to preserve life (Ezekiel 3:18-21). – Disciple-maker proclaims salvation in Christ so people “may have life” (John 10:10). • Necessity of Obedient Response – Righteous person must “heed the warning” (Ezekiel 3:21). – New disciples must “observe all” Jesus commanded (Matthew 28:20). • Accountability of the Messenger – Failure to warn brings bloodguilt (Ezekiel 3:18-19). – Paul echoes this watchman mindset: “I am innocent of everyone’s blood” because he declared the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:26-27). • Assurance of Divine Presence – Ezekiel empowered by the Spirit (Ezekiel 2:2; 3:14). – Jesus promises, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). Practical Outworking for Believers Today • Speak Up Faithfully – Silence endangers others and ourselves (James 5:19-20). • Call to Holiness, Not Merely Information – Ezekiel’s warning aims at righteousness; Jesus’ teaching aims at obedience. • Global Outlook, Local Application – The commission stretches from Israel’s borders to “all nations.” • Depend on God’s Presence – Both mandates are impossible without the Spirit’s enabling (Acts 1:8). Summary Connection Ezekiel 3:21 and Matthew 28:19-20 present the same heartbeat of God: He entrusts His servants with a life-or-death message. We warn, teach, and disciple so people live in covenant faithfulness. Obedience to this calling spares hearers from judgment and keeps messengers clear-conscienced before God. |
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