How does Leviticus 10:11 connect with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 28:19-20? Leviticus 10:11 — Priests Commissioned to Teach “and so you may teach the Israelites all the statutes that the LORD has spoken to them through Moses.” (Leviticus 10:11) • Aaron and his sons are set apart to communicate God’s revealed law. • The verse comes right after the deaths of Nadab and Abihu, underscoring that teaching must flow from reverence, obedience, and holiness (cf. Leviticus 10:3). • The mandate is ongoing; Israel’s covenant faithfulness depends on accurate, continual instruction (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). Matthew 28:19-20 — Disciples Commissioned to Teach “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. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” • Jesus gives universal authority (v. 18) and universal scope—“all nations.” • The heart of the task is two-fold: baptizing (initiation) and teaching obedience (continuing formation). • His promised presence parallels the tabernacle presence that empowered the priests (Exodus 40:34-35). A Single Thread: Teaching God’s Word • Same Source: In both texts, the content originates with the LORD—statutes through Moses, commands through Christ (John 12:49-50). • Same Method: Verbal instruction that shapes life, not mere information (Ezra 7:10; James 1:22). • Same Goal: A holy people who reflect God’s character (Leviticus 19:2; Matthew 5:48). From Priests to Disciple-Priests • Old-covenant priests foreshadow the new-covenant, Spirit-filled “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 1:6). • The teaching role expands: every believer is called to transmit God’s truth (2 Timothy 2:2), not just a select lineage. • The scope widens from Israel to the nations while the standard of holiness remains unchanged. Authority and Presence • Leviticus links teaching authority to holiness under the weight of divine fire; Matthew links teaching authority to the resurrected Christ who possesses “all authority in heaven and on earth.” • The empowering presence once symbolized by the tabernacle/fire now comes through the indwelling Spirit (John 14:16-17; Acts 1:8). Practical Takeaways • Treat Scripture as wholly trustworthy and comprehensive—nothing to subtract, nothing to add. • Teaching is worship: mishandling the Word dishonors God as surely as strange fire (compare Leviticus 10:1-2). • Obedience is the metric of successful teaching; the Great Commission aims for disciples who “obey,” not simply who “know.” • Every believer shoulders the teaching task—at home, in church, across cultures—because the priestly mantle now rests on the whole body of Christ. • Confidence flows from Christ’s promise, “I am with you,” ensuring that faithful teaching today stands on the same unshakable foundation that upheld the priests at Sinai. |
    |