How does Luke 18:20 connect with Exodus 20:1-17 on God's laws? Setting the moment in Luke 18:20 “You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.’ ” Hearing Sinai’s voice in Jesus’ words When Jesus lists these five commands, He is lifting them straight from Exodus 20:1-17: • “Do not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14) • “Do not murder” (Exodus 20:13) • “Do not steal” (Exodus 20:15) • “Do not bear false witness” (Exodus 20:16) • “Honor your father and your mother” (Exodus 20:12) Why Jesus singles out the second-table commands • They govern our relationships with people; the rich ruler claimed to keep them, yet his wealth revealed a divided heart (Luke 18:22-23). • By choosing observable commands, Jesus let the man test his own life before confronting the hidden first-table issue of loving God above all (Exodus 20:3). • Jesus shows that outward compliance is not enough; the law presses inward to expose idolatry (Matthew 22:37-40; Romans 7:7). Continuity of God’s moral law • Jesus affirms the Ten Commandments as still authoritative (Matthew 5:17-19). • Paul echoes the same commands for New-Covenant believers (Romans 13:8-10; Ephesians 6:1-3). • James calls them “the royal law” that reveals sin and drives us to grace (James 2:8-11). The law remains God’s unchanging moral standard while the gospel supplies the power to obey (Galatians 3:24; Romans 8:3-4). The heart beneath obedience • Luke 18:22 shows the ultimate demand: “Sell all you own… then come, follow Me.” Loving God first completes the intent of Exodus 20:3-6. • True obedience springs from devotion, not mere rule-keeping (John 14:15; 1 John 5:3). • Jesus reveals that commandments expose what we treasure most (Matthew 6:21). Living the commandments today • Guard purity—fight adultery in thought and action (Matthew 5:27-28). • Value life—protect the unborn, the weak, and the aged (Psalm 139:13-16). • Steward possessions—renounce theft in all forms, including fraud and sloth (Ephesians 4:28). • Speak truth—reject gossip, half-truths, and online slander (Ephesians 4:25). • Honor parents—care for them materially and respect their counsel (1 Timothy 5:4). In Luke 18:20 Jesus is not merely quoting Exodus; He is re-presenting Sinai’s voice with fresh authority, proving that the God who thundered on the mountain now speaks face-to-face through His Son, calling every heart to wholehearted obedience empowered by grace. |
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