How does Zechariah 6:15 connect to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Setting the Stage • Zechariah 6:15: “Those who are far off will come and help to build the temple of the LORD. Then you will know that the LORD of Hosts has sent Me to you. And this will happen if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God.” • Matthew 28:19-20: “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.” Shared Themes at a Glance • Outsiders brought in • Building God’s dwelling place • Obedient participation • Divine sending and enduring presence Those Far Off: A Preview of Global Mission • Zechariah points to “those who are far off” (Gentiles) coming to Jerusalem. • Jesus commands “all nations” to be discipled. • Acts 1:8 echoes both: “You will be My witnesses… to the ends of the earth.” • The Great Commission is the unfolding of Zechariah’s vision—foreigners streaming in, not to bricks but to Christ Himself (Ephesians 2:13-17). Building the Temple vs. Building People • In Zechariah, help is given “to build the temple of the LORD.” • Under the New Covenant, believers are “being built together into a dwelling place for God” (Ephesians 2:19-22). • Making disciples is spiritual construction: – Evangelism lays the foundation (1 Corinthians 3:10-11). – Baptism joins new stones to the structure (1 Peter 2:5). – Teaching solidifies the walls in obedience (Colossians 2:6-7). Obedience: The Essential Condition • Zechariah: “This will happen if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD.” • Jesus: “Teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you.” • The success of both the temple project and the Great Commission hinges on responsive obedience, not mere activity (James 1:22-25). The Sender and His Presence • Zechariah: “Then you will know that the LORD of Hosts has sent Me.” • Jesus: “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” • In both passages God guarantees His own involvement, validating the mission and empowering the workers (Philippians 2:13). From Prophecy to Practice 1. Recognize the worldwide scope: every culture is invited. 2. Engage in the building: evangelize, baptize, teach. 3. Trust the promise: the Lord who sends also stays. 4. Obey continuously: fruitfulness flows from faith-filled obedience. Living It Today • View every church and household as a construction site where new “living stones” are fitted. • Support missions: you join Zechariah’s “those who are far off” by praying, giving, or going. • Teach obedience, not information, replicating Christ’s commandments in daily life. • Rest in His presence; the Lord of Hosts and risen Christ are the same faithful Builder (Hebrews 3:3-6). |
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