In what ways does Leviticus 22:31 connect with Jesus' teachings on obedience? Reading the Verse “You are to keep My commandments and practice them. I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 22:31) The Heart of Obedience in Leviticus • God’s command is clear and comprehensive: “keep” (guard) and “practice” (do). • Obedience is anchored in God’s identity—“I am the LORD.” Israel obeys because the covenant-making God has absolute authority and covenant love. • The verse comes in a section on holiness for priests, yet the principle applies to every believer: every part of life is brought under God’s word. Echoes in Jesus’ Words 1. Command-keeping as love • John 14:15 — “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • John 15:10 — “If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love.” Like Leviticus, obedience is relational: we obey because of who He is to us. 2. Command-keeping as blessing • Luke 11:28 — “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” • Matthew 7:24-25 — House on the rock; obedience brings stability and life. 3. Command-keeping as continuity with the Law • Matthew 5:17-19 — Jesus fulfills, not abolishes, the Law; whoever “practices and teaches” the commands is called great. • Matthew 22:37-40 — Love God and neighbor summarize “all the Law and the Prophets,” showing continuity between Leviticus and gospel ethics. 4. Command-keeping as the Great Commission • Matthew 28:20 — “teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” The risen Lord still ties discipleship to obedient practice, reflecting Leviticus 22:31’s call to “keep and practice.” Shared Motives for Obedience • Identity: “I am the LORD” (Leviticus) / “I am” statements of Jesus (John 8:58). • Love: covenant love in the OT / sacrificial love at the cross (John 15:13). • Holiness: Israel called to be holy (Leviticus 19:2) / disciples called to be perfect (Matthew 5:48). • Witness: Israel to display God’s character among nations / church to shine as light (Matthew 5:14-16). Practical Takeaways for Today • Obedience is not optional; it is the evidence of genuine relationship with the Lord. • The same God who spoke at Sinai now speaks through His Son (Hebrews 1:1-2); His authority has not diminished. • Love fuels obedience—focus on knowing Him, and keeping His word becomes joyful, not burdensome (1 John 5:3). • Evaluate every area of life—worship, work, family, speech—asking, “Am I keeping and practicing His commandments here?” • Trust that obedience brings blessing and stability, just as Jesus promised the wise builder. |
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