How does Exodus 34:32 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Receiving God’s Word at Sinai Exodus 34:32—“Afterward all the Israelites drew near, and Moses commanded them to do everything that the LORD had told him on Mount Sinai.” • The people “drew near,” positioning themselves to hear. • Moses relayed, without alteration, “everything” the LORD revealed. • Obedience to the covenant depended on accurate transmission and wholehearted response (cf. Deuteronomy 6:1–7). Passing On God’s Word from Galilee 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, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you…” • Jesus, the greater Mediator (Hebrews 3:1–6), commissions His followers to teach “all” He commanded. • The scope expands from one nation at Sinai to “all nations.” • Obedience remains central—disciples are formed by learning and doing Christ’s words (John 14:15, 23). Key Connections 1. Same Divine Source – Sinai: “the LORD had told him.” – Galilee: “I have commanded you.” – Both texts present God’s words as absolute, life-defining truth (Psalm 119:160). 2. Faithful Mediation – Moses serves as covenant spokesman; the apostles serve as eyewitness teachers (Acts 1:8). – Accuracy is non-negotiable: nothing added, nothing withheld (Deuteronomy 4:2; Revelation 22:18-19). 3. Comprehensive Teaching – “Everything” (Exodus 34:32) parallels “all that I have commanded” (Matthew 28:20). – The entire revealed will of God is to be communicated, not selective highlights (Acts 20:27). 4. Call to Obedience – Israel was to “do” what was heard; disciples are to “obey.” – Scripture unites hearing and doing as the mark of true covenant loyalty (James 1:22-25). 5. Covenant Presence – Sinai: the glory on Moses’ face testified that God was with His people (Exodus 34:29). – Great Commission: “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). – Obedience flows from, and is sustained by, God’s abiding presence (Exodus 33:14; John 14:16-17). From Israel to the Nations • Sinai formed a priestly nation meant to bless others (Exodus 19:5-6). • The risen Christ sends that blessing outward, fulfilling the promise to Abraham that “all families of the earth” would be blessed (Genesis 12:3; Galatians 3:8). • The mission moves from a localized gathering at Sinai to a global discipleship mandate. Living the Link Today • Draw near to Scripture as Israel did at Sinai—listen attentively. • Receive the whole counsel of God, not merely favorite passages. • Teach and model obedience in families, churches, and communities (2 Timothy 2:2). • Rely on Christ’s promised presence; effective disciple-making is impossible without Him (John 15:5). |
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