How does Ezekiel's calling relate to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Setting the Scene: Two Divine Mandates • Ezekiel’s call: “Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites… you must speak My words to them” (Ezekiel 2:3–4). • Jesus’ commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20). Both passages record moments when God authoritatively sends His servants to communicate His truth to people who desperately need it. Shared Foundations: Five Key Parallels 1. Divine Initiative • Ezekiel: God speaks first—“He said to me, ‘Son of man, stand up… I am sending you’” (Ezekiel 2:1–3). • Great Commission: The risen Christ issues the command—“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore…” (Matthew 28:18–19). → In both, the message originates with God, not human ambition. 2. Spirit Empowerment • Ezekiel: “The Spirit entered me and set me on my feet” (Ezekiel 2:2). • Great Commission: Jesus promises, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” (Acts 1:8, linked to Matthew 28:20). → God never sends without supplying supernatural enablement. 3. Authoritative Word • Ezekiel receives a scroll—“Son of man, eat what you find… and speak to the house of Israel” (Ezekiel 3:1). • Disciples carry Jesus’ teaching—“teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20). → The messenger’s task is to transmit, not edit, God’s Word. 4. Universal Scope of Accountability • Ezekiel is appointed “watchman for the house of Israel” (Ezekiel 3:17), responsible whether they listen or refuse. • The Commission targets “all nations” (Matthew 28:19), obligating believers to every people group whether receptive or resistant. → Obedience is measured by faithfulness in proclamation, not the audience’s response. 5. Divine Presence and Protection • To Ezekiel: “Do not fear them… I have made your forehead harder than their foreheads” (Ezekiel 3:8–9). • To the disciples: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). → Courage flows from the assured presence of the Sender. Distinct Emphases That Complement Each Other • Ezekiel addresses a covenant people in rebellion, calling them back. • The Great Commission announces salvation to the nations, bringing them in. Together they reveal God’s consistent heart: confront sin, offer mercy, gather a holy people for His glory. Practical Takeaways for Today • Internalize the Word first—like Ezekiel eating the scroll—before sharing it. • Trust the Spirit’s power rather than personal charisma. • Measure success by obedience, not popularity. • Expect opposition, but rely on Christ’s continual presence. |
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