How does John 14:15 connect with the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20? John 14:15—Love Expressed Through Obedience “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” – John 14:15 The Ten Commandments—God’s Covenant Words “And God spoke all these words: ‘I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery…’ ” (Exodus 20:1-2) – Commandments follow in verses 3-17. One Author, One Heartbeat • Both passages originate from the same covenant-making God. • Exodus shows God rescuing a people, then giving them a way of life. • John records Jesus—God in flesh—calling disciples to the same pattern: salvation first, obedience flowing out of love. Love and Law in the Old Testament • Deuteronomy 6:5: “Love the LORD your God with all your heart…” – the heart behind the law. • Exodus 20 summarizes how that love looks in daily practice. Love and Law in the New Testament • John 14:21: “Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me.” • 1 John 5:2-3: “By this we know that we love the children of God: when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments…” Connecting the Dots 1. Relationship precedes rules – Exodus 20:2 reminds Israel of redemption first. – John 14:15 follows Jesus’ promise of the Spirit (v. 16), given to redeemed followers. 2. Same standard, fuller revelation – The Ten Commandments outline devotion to God and neighbor. – Jesus embodies and internalizes that standard (Matthew 5:17-19). 3. Love is the motive power – Fear of punishment once guarded Sinai’s law (Hebrews 12:18-21). – Calvary’s love now compels willing obedience (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). Command-by-Command Parallels • No other gods (Exodus 20:3) → Treasuring Christ above all. • No idols (20:4-6) → Rejecting substitutes for Jesus’ presence. • Do not misuse God’s name (20:7) → Honoring Jesus in speech and witness. • Remember the Sabbath (20:8-11) → Resting in Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:8). • Honor father and mother (20:12) → Submitting to earthly authority as unto Christ. • Do not murder (20:13) → Valuing life; loving enemy as Jesus commands (Matthew 5:44). • Do not commit adultery (20:14) → Upholding covenant faithfulness mirroring Christ’s to the church. • Do not steal (20:15) → Trusting Jesus for provision; giving generously. • Do not bear false witness (20:16) → Reflecting the truthfulness of Christ. • Do not covet (20:17) → Finding contentment in Jesus’ sufficiency (Hebrews 13:5). Practical Takeaways • Obedience is a love language, not legalism. • The Spirit enables what Sinai demanded (Ezekiel 36:27; John 14:16-17). • Studying the Ten Commandments enriches devotion to Christ; abiding in Christ empowers obedience to them. Summary Snapshot John 14:15 re-affirms the heart of Exodus 20: love leads to obedience, and obedience proves love. In both Testaments, God saves first, then calls His people to walk in His ways—now revealed perfectly in Jesus. |
    |