What scriptural connections exist between Ezra 7:14 and the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Commissioning by Royal Authority • Ezra 7:14 – “For you are being sent by the king and his seven counselors to inquire about Judah and Jerusalem with regard to the Law of your God, which is in your hand.” • Matthew 28:19 – 20 – “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Connection: • Ezra is “sent by the king”; the disciples are sent by the risen King Jesus (cf. John 20:21). • Both commissions carry full royal backing—earthly in Ezra, heavenly in Matthew—underscoring divine sovereignty behind each mission. Purpose: Centering People on God’s Law • Ezra’s charge: “inquire… with regard to the Law of your God.” • Jesus’ charge: “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Connection: • Ezra must evaluate and align Judah with God’s Word; disciples must disciple the nations into obedience to Christ’s Word. • Both tasks elevate Scripture as the final standard (cf. Deuteronomy 6:6-7; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Scope of the Mission • Ezra: Judah and Jerusalem—God’s covenant community needing reform. • Great Commission: “all nations”—expanding the covenant community globally (cf. Acts 1:8). Connection: • Ezra foreshadows a localized restoration; Jesus universalizes the restoration, fulfilling God’s promise to bless all families of the earth (Genesis 12:3). Means: A Qualified Messenger with the Law “in Hand” • Ezra possessed and mastered the Law (Ezra 7:10). • Disciples carry Christ’s teaching and the Holy Spirit (John 14:26). Connection: • Both missions depend on messengers who personally know and handle God’s Word accurately (2 Timothy 2:15). Provision and Presence • Ezra traveled with royal resources (Ezra 7:15-22). • Jesus assures, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Connection: • God supplies what His servants need—materially for Ezra, spiritually and perpetually for the Church. Outcome: Covenant Faithfulness and Worship • Ezra’s reforms led to renewed worship and obedience in Jerusalem (Ezra 10:1-4). • The Great Commission culminates in baptized, obedient disciples who worship Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Connection: • Both texts aim at restored covenant relationship expressed through right worship and obedient living. |
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