How does Leviticus 18:4 connect with Jesus' teachings on obedience? Leviticus 18:4—A Call to Walk in Obedience “You are to practice My judgments and keep My statutes by walking in them. I am the LORD your God.” • The verse is simple yet sweeping: – “Practice My judgments” – live out what God declares right. – “Keep My statutes” – guard His commands as treasure. – “Walk in them” – let daily choices line up with His word. • Obedience flows from identity: Israel belongs to “the LORD your God.” Relationship first, obedience next. Jesus Echoes the Same Call • John 14:15 – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • John 15:10 – “If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love.” • Luke 6:46 – “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ but not do what I say?” • Matthew 28:20 – “…teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you.” Jesus doesn’t loosen God’s standard; He personalizes it. Love for Him shows up as the very obedience Leviticus required. Shared Foundations Between Moses and Messiah 1. Authority is divine, not cultural. • Leviticus: “I am the LORD.” • Gospels: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” (Matthew 28:18) 2. Obedience is relational. • Israel obeys because God redeemed them from Egypt. • Disciples obey because Jesus redeems them from sin (John 8:34-36). 3. The goal is a distinctive lifestyle. • Leviticus sets Israel apart from Canaanite practices. • Jesus calls believers to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16). Jesus as the Perfect Model • Philippians 2:8 – He “became obedient to death—even death on a cross.” • Hebrews 5:8 – He “learned obedience from what He suffered.” Because He fulfilled perfect obedience, He can command and empower ours. Living Out Leviticus 18:4 in Light of Christ • Abide in the Word – “If you remain in My word, you are truly My disciples.” (John 8:31) • Depend on the Spirit – “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) • Express love through action – “By this we know that we love the children of God: when we love God and keep His commandments.” (1 John 5:2) • Let obedience witness to the world – “Let your light shine…that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) Leviticus 18:4 and Jesus’ words form one seamless call: because the LORD is our God and Jesus is our Lord, we gladly walk in His commandments—displaying love for Him and shining His character to those around us. |
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