What connections exist between Exodus 24:7 and Jesus' teachings on obedience? Setting the Scene: Exodus 24:7 “Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it aloud to the people, who replied, ‘All that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will obey.’ ” Hearing, Agreeing, Obeying—A Timeless Pattern • The people first listen to God’s written Word. • They publicly affirm, “We will do … we will obey,” binding themselves to God’s covenant. • Obedience is the evidence that the covenant is truly received. Jesus Echoes the Same Rhythm • Matthew 7:24 – “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” • Luke 6:46 – “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ but not do what I say?” • 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, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love.” Jesus repeats the Exodus sequence: hear the Word → affirm its truth → prove the affirmation through obedient action. Love as the Motive for Obedience • In Exodus, obedience flows from covenant loyalty; in the Gospels, Jesus grounds obedience in love for Him. • 1 John 2:3 – “By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments.” Love transforms duty into delight, moving the heart beyond mere rule-keeping. From Written Covenant to Incarnate Word • Exodus centers on the “Book of the Covenant.” • John 1:14 reveals Jesus as the Word made flesh; His life embodies God’s covenant. • Where Israel listened to a scroll, disciples now listen to a Person—yet the call remains identical: “Obey what you have heard.” A Community Call, Not Just an Individual Task • Exodus 24 records corporate assent: the entire nation responds together. • Jesus speaks to gathered disciples (John 13–17), expecting shared obedience that forms a new covenant community (John 13:35). Living It Out Today • Read the Word attentively, just as Israel listened to Moses’ reading. • Respond with the same declaration of intent—“We will do and we will obey.” • Rely on Christ’s indwelling Spirit (John 14:16-17) to transform resolve into action. The storyline moves from Sinai to the Upper Room, yet the heartbeat is unchanged: God speaks, His people listen, and lasting obedience proves genuine faith. |
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