How does Genesis 11:9 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19? Scripture Foundation • Genesis 11:9 – “That is why it was called Babel—for there the Lord confused the language of the whole earth, and from there the Lord scattered them over the face of the whole earth.” • Matthew 28:19 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Observations from Genesis 11:9 • God personally intervened to confuse human language. • The scattering was global—“over the face of the whole earth.” • The event highlighted humanity’s prideful self-exaltation and God’s sovereign restraint. Observations from Matthew 28:19 • Jesus issues a global command: “make disciples of all nations.” • The directive embraces every people group divided at Babel. • Authority and power belong to the triune God, guaranteeing success (cf. Matthew 28:18, 20). Key Links Between the Two Passages • Babel’s scattering created the nations; the Great Commission sends the church to those very nations. • At Babel, languages divided; in Christ, the gospel transcends every language (Acts 2:5-11). • Babel displayed judgment for pride; the Commission displays grace for redemption (John 3:17). • God was always mindful of all peoples (Genesis 12:3). The Commission fulfills that ancient promise. God’s Redemptive Thread Through Language and Nations 1. Babel—languages multiplied, nations scattered (Genesis 11:9). 2. Abraham—promise that “all peoples on earth will be blessed” (Genesis 12:3). 3. Pentecost—Spirit enables proclamation in every tongue (Acts 2:6-11). 4. Missions—disciples made among “every tribe and tongue” (Revelation 5:9; 7:9). 5. Consummation—unity before God’s throne, reversing Babel’s division forever. Practical Takeaways for Today • The diversity of cultures is no barrier to the gospel; it is the very target of our mission. • Language study, Bible translation, and cross-cultural outreach directly answer Genesis 11’s dispersion. • Confidence rests in Christ’s authority—He who judged at Babel now commissions with power. • Participation in the Great Commission is participation in God’s grand reversal of Babel, moving history from confusion to unified worship. |
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