In what ways does Ecclesiastes 1:9 connect to the teachings of Jesus? A timeless observation: Ecclesiastes 1:9 “What has been will be again, and what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” Jesus highlights the same unchanging human pattern • Matthew 24:37-39—“As it was in the days of Noah, so will it be at the coming of the Son of Man.” • Luke 17:26-30—He parallels the days of Lot and Noah with future generations. • Point: Humanity keeps repeating the same routines of complacency, sin, and surprise when judgment comes, exactly what Solomon observed. The root issue: an unchanged heart • Matthew 15:19—“Out of the heart come evil thoughts...” • Mark 7:21-23—Sin flows from within; therefore it recurs in every age. • Ecclesiastes notes recurring deeds; Jesus pinpoints the heart that fuels them. Jesus, the greater Solomon, confronts the cycle • Matthew 12:42—“Now One greater than Solomon is here.” • Where Solomon saw endless repetition, Jesus enters history with authority to break the cycle. Nothing new under the sun—yet something new from above • John 3:3—“Unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” • 2 Corinthians 5:17—“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away...” • Revelation 21:5—“Behold, I make all things new.” • Jesus doesn’t contradict Ecclesiastes; He transcends it by offering heavenly newness. Steady warnings, steady grace • Luke 13:1-5—Same tragedies, same call: “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” • John 8:24—Repeated unbelief has the same result; the gospel extends the same remedy. Living wisely in light of both Solomon and Christ 1. Expect life’s patterns to repeat—don’t be naïve. 2. Guard the heart where cycles begin. 3. Listen to the unchanging Word—Matthew 24:35: “My words will never pass away.” 4. Receive the new birth Jesus offers; that is the only real “new thing.” Takeaway Ecclesiastes 1:9 names a reality Jesus affirms: under the sun history keeps looping. Jesus doesn’t merely comment on the loop; He steps into it, fulfills wisdom, and opens the door to a truly new creation for all who believe. |
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