How does Deuteronomy 31:9 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? The Hand-Off of the Word – Deuteronomy 31:9 “So Moses wrote down this law and gave it to the priests, the sons of Levi, who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and to all the elders of Israel.” • Moses records God’s revelation in writing—no guesswork, no oral drift. • He entrusts that written law to two groups charged with spiritual care: – Priests who bear God’s presence (ark) – Elders who shepherd the people • The intent is ongoing public reading and teaching (Deuteronomy 31:10-13), so every generation hears, learns, and obeys. The Send-Off of the Disciples – 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 obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” • Jesus, the greater Moses (Hebrews 3:3), speaks with full divine authority (v.18). • He commissions His followers to carry His words worldwide—no nation left out. • They transmit the New-Covenant teaching in two ways: – Baptizing (initiation into covenant community) – Teaching obedience to everything He commanded • His personal presence (“I am with you”) parallels the ark’s symbolism of God with Israel. Connecting Threads Between the Two Passages • Written Revelation → Spoken Instruction – Moses writes; Jesus’ apostles eventually write (Luke 1:1-4; 1 John 1:4) so the church can teach with the same clarity. • Covenant Mediator → Covenant Messengers – Moses hands the law to priests/elders; Jesus hands His gospel to disciples turned disciple-makers. • Focus on Obedience, Not Mere Information – “That they may hear and learn to fear the LORD and follow carefully all the words of this law” (Deuteronomy 31:12) – “Teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20). • Presence of God Secures the Mission – Ark carried among Israel (Numbers 10:35-36) – Christ’s promise, “I am with you always.” Key Parallels at a Glance • Written law → Written gospel accounts & epistles • Priests/elders → Apostles/elders (Acts 14:23; Ephesians 4:11-12) • Israel’s assembly every seven years (Deuteronomy 31:10-11) → Continual gathering of local churches (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Physical ark → Indwelling Spirit (John 14:16-17; 1 Corinthians 3:16) Living It Out Today • Guard the text: Keep Scripture central, unedited, faithfully studied. • Pass it on: Intentionally disciple others, just as Moses and Jesus expected generational transfer (2 Timothy 2:2). • Teach for obedience: Aim beyond information to transformed lives (James 1:22-25). • Rely on His presence: Serve with confidence that Christ empowers the task (Acts 1:8). Additional Echoes of the Pattern • Psalm 78:5-7 – “He established a testimony… that they should teach their children.” • 1 Peter 2:9 – Believers as a “royal priesthood” proclaiming His excellencies. • Colossians 1:28 – “We proclaim Him… teaching everyone… so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.” Summary Moses wrote God’s law and entrusted it to spiritual leaders for constant teaching; Jesus, fulfilling and surpassing Moses, commands His followers to carry His full teaching to every nation until the end of the age. Both passages showcase the same divine strategy: a revealed Word, faithful messengers, intentional instruction, and the promised presence of God that makes obedience—and worldwide mission—possible. |
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