How does Jeremiah 9:24 connect with Jesus' teachings in the New Testament? The Heart of Jeremiah 9:24 • “But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice, and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 9:24) • Three divine priorities shine: loving devotion (ḥesed), justice (mishpat), and righteousness (tsedeqah). • True “boasting” is simply delighting in personally knowing the LORD and reflecting His character. Jesus Embodies the Verse • Jesus is the full revelation of the Father. – John 14:9: “He who has seen Me has seen the Father.” – Colossians 1:15 affirms He is “the image of the invisible God.” • Therefore, every feature Jeremiah highlights is personified in Jesus. Loving Devotion Displayed in Christ • Compassion in action: healing lepers (Mark 1:40-41), feeding crowds (Matthew 14:13-21). • Self-sacrifice at the cross: “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) • Mercy stressed: “Blessed are the merciful.” (Matthew 5:7) Justice Central to His Mission • Inaugural sermon: “He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives… to release the oppressed.” (Luke 4:18-19) • Condemns religious hypocrisy that ignores justice: “You have neglected the weightier matters of the Law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness.” (Matthew 23:23) • Restores dignity to the marginalized—women, Samaritans, tax collectors—showing practical righteousness. Righteousness Defined by the Son • Calls for righteousness that surpasses mere legal compliance (Matthew 5:20). • Promises fulfillment: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Matthew 5:6) • Becomes our righteousness: “Christ Jesus… has become for us wisdom from God—our righteousness.” (1 Colossians 1:30). Knowing God Through Knowing Jesus • Eternal life hinges on relationship, not pedigree: “Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.” (John 17:3) • Jeremiah’s call to “understand and know Me” finds its New-Testament answer in the person of Christ (John 14:6). Boasting Only in the Lord—Jeremiah Echoed by Jesus and Paul • Jesus teaches humble dependence: tax collector justified over self-righteous Pharisee (Luke 18:9-14). • Paul quotes Jeremiah directly: “Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.’” (1 Colossians 1:31) • Salvation by grace “so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:9) Practical Takeaways • Pursue intimate knowledge of God by fixing eyes on Jesus in Scripture and prayer. • Let loving devotion guide daily interactions—serve, forgive, show mercy. • Seek justice wherever God places you—advocate for the vulnerable, act with fairness. • Hunger for righteousness, trusting Christ to supply both the desire and the power to live it. |
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