In what ways does Jeremiah 36:10 connect to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? “From the chamber of Elishama the scribe, in the upper courtyard at the entrance of the New Gate of the LORD’s house, Baruch read the words of Jeremiah from the scroll to all the people.” Matthew 28:19-20 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Public Proclamation in Both Passages - Baruch reads Jeremiah’s scroll “to all the people” gathered at the temple gate. - Jesus commands His followers to bring His words “to all nations.” - In each scene, the Word of God is not kept private; it is broadcast publicly so everyone can hear and respond. Messenger Under Authority - Baruch speaks on Jeremiah’s authority, which ultimately comes from the LORD (Jeremiah 36:2). - The disciples speak on Jesus’ authority: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me” (Matthew 28:18). - Both messengers act because they have been commissioned, not because of personal ambition. Location to Expansion - Jeremiah 36:10 occurs at the temple, the visible center of Israel’s worship. - The Great Commission shifts the center outward, carrying God’s message from Jerusalem “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). - The movement is the same: start where God places you, then let the Word ripple out. Call to Repentance and Obedience - Jeremiah’s scroll warns of judgment and urges repentance (Jeremiah 36:3, 7). - Jesus instructs the Church to teach “to observe all that I have commanded you,” leading people into obedient discipleship. - Whether Old Covenant or New, God’s Word calls hearers to turn, trust, and obey. Written Word and Living Word - Jeremiah’s words are preserved on a scroll so they can be read accurately. - Jesus’ words are preserved in Scripture and carried by living disciples, empowered by the Spirit (John 14:26). - In both cases, God ensures His message remains intact and goes forth. Continuity of God’s Mission - Jeremiah 36:10 shows God already using faithful servants to spread His Word centuries before Christ. - Matthew 28:19-20 reveals the culmination of that mission: reaching every ethnicity with the full revelation of salvation in Jesus. - Scripture’s storyline moves from covenant warnings to covenant fulfillment, but the heart of God—to be known by all peoples—never changes. Practical Takeaways for Today - Read God’s Word aloud in community; hearing sparks faith (Romans 10:17). - Recognize you are under Christ’s authority; His commission carries divine weight. - Start sharing where you are—home, church, workplace—then look outward. - Combine invitation (grace) with instruction (obedience), just as both passages do. - Trust the Spirit to guard and propel the message, just as He did for Baruch and the apostles. |