Keith Mack
The question of whether Israel's Great Commission was given to people under Moses' law delves into the intersection of biblical theology and historical interpretation. The Great Commission, as recorded in the New Testament, is often attributed to Jesus' command to his disciples to spread the gospel to all nations. However, examining this within the context of Moses' law requires an exploration of how the Old Testament covenants and the Torah relate to the broader mission of God's people. Under Moses' law, the Israelites were called to be a distinct nation, set apart to worship Yahweh and serve as a light to the nations. While their primary focus was on obedience to the law and maintaining their covenant relationship with God, there were also elements of mission, such as welcoming the stranger and blessing other nations. Thus, the Great Commission can be seen as a fulfillment and expansion of this earlier call, transitioning from a national focus to a universal one, yet rooted in the foundational principles established under Moses' law.
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What You'll Learn
Moses' Law vs. Great Commission
The concept of the Great Commission, as outlined in the New Testament, is often contrasted with the Mosaic Law, which governed the Israelites during the time of Moses. This comparison is crucial for understanding the shift in divine directives from the Old Testament to the New Testament. The Great Commission, as given by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20, instructs believers to "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 everything I have commanded you." This mandate is universal, transcending the boundaries of a single nation or ethnic group, whereas the Mosaic Law was specifically given to the Israelites as a covenant between God and His chosen people.
Analytically, the Mosaic Law served as a detailed legal and ethical framework for the Israelites, encompassing over 600 commandments that regulated every aspect of life, from religious rituals to social and dietary laws. Its purpose was to set Israel apart as a holy nation, reflecting God’s character to the world. In contrast, the Great Commission emphasizes evangelism and discipleship, focusing on the spread of the gospel and the transformation of individuals through faith in Jesus Christ. While the Mosaic Law was binding on a specific group under a specific covenant, the Great Commission is an open-ended call to all believers, regardless of background, to participate in God’s global mission.
Instructively, those seeking to fulfill the Great Commission today can learn from the structure of the Mosaic Law without being bound by its specifics. For instance, the law’s emphasis on teaching and obedience parallels the Great Commission’s call to teach new disciples to obey Christ’s commands. Practical steps include integrating biblical teaching into everyday life, using age-appropriate methods for children (e.g., storytelling and memorization) and more in-depth studies for adults. Additionally, just as the Mosaic Law required community involvement, the Great Commission thrives on communal efforts, such as local church initiatives and global mission partnerships.
Persuasively, it’s essential to recognize that the Great Commission does not nullify the moral principles of the Mosaic Law but fulfills them in a new covenant context. Jesus Himself stated, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17). This fulfillment means that the spirit of the law—love for God and neighbor—remains central, while the ceremonial and civil aspects specific to Israel are no longer binding. For example, while dietary laws under Moses are not mandatory for all believers, the principle of holiness and separation from worldly practices remains relevant.
Comparatively, the scope and focus of the two directives highlight their distinct purposes. The Mosaic Law was a national and ethnic mandate, shaping Israel’s identity and relationship with God. The Great Commission, however, is a global and spiritual mandate, inviting all people into a personal relationship with God through Christ. This shift reflects the expansion of God’s plan from a single nation to the entire world, as seen in Acts 1:8, where Jesus promises His followers will be witnesses “to the ends of the earth.” By understanding this progression, believers can better align their efforts with God’s overarching mission, balancing obedience to Christ’s teachings with the inclusive call of the gospel.
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Israel's Role in Spreading the Gospel
Analytically, the Mosaic Law was not designed to spread the Gospel in the New Testament sense but to establish Israel as a witness to God’s holiness and faithfulness. The laws, rituals, and practices outlined in the Torah served as a testament to God’s character and sovereignty, attracting nations to inquire about Israel’s God (Deuteronomy 4:5-8). For example, the Tabernacle and later the Temple were physical manifestations of God’s presence among His people, drawing curiosity and reverence from surrounding cultures. This passive yet powerful witness laid the groundwork for the Gospel’s eventual global spread, though it was not Israel’s direct commission to actively evangelize.
Instructively, understanding this distinction helps modern believers appreciate the complementary roles of Israel and the Church. While the Church is called to proclaim the Gospel universally, Israel’s role under Mosaic Law was to embody God’s truth in a world of idolatry. Practical application of this insight includes studying the Old Testament not as a blueprint for evangelism but as a foundation for understanding God’s character and His plan for humanity. For instance, teaching on the Ten Commandments can highlight God’s moral standard, which both Israel and the Church are called to reflect, albeit in different ways.
Persuasively, it is essential to resist the temptation to conflate Israel’s mission with the Great Commission, as this can lead to theological confusion and misplaced expectations. Israel’s role was national and symbolic, while the Church’s mission is universal and declarative. By recognizing this, believers can avoid the error of imposing New Testament mandates on Old Testament contexts or vice versa. Instead, they can celebrate how Israel’s faithfulness under Mosaic Law prepared the world for the Gospel, much like a lampstand illuminating a dark room before the arrival of the Light of the World.
Comparatively, the relationship between Israel’s role and the Great Commission can be likened to that of a seed and its fruit. Israel’s obedience under Mosaic Law sowed the seeds of God’s revelation, which the Church later harvested and dispersed globally. This analogy underscores the interconnectedness of God’s plan while maintaining the distinctiveness of each phase. For those seeking to engage in cross-cultural ministry, studying Israel’s example can provide insights into how cultural distinctiveness and faithfulness can attract others to God, even without explicit evangelistic efforts.
In conclusion, Israel’s role in spreading the Gospel was indirect yet indispensable, rooted in its calling to be a holy nation under Mosaic Law. By embodying God’s truth and faithfulness, Israel prepared the world for the eventual proclamation of the Gospel. This understanding not only clarifies theological distinctions but also enriches the Church’s mission by highlighting the power of lived witness. As believers, we can draw inspiration from Israel’s example, recognizing that our obedience and distinctiveness in a broken world can be a silent yet powerful invitation to the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
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Old Covenant vs. New Covenant
The concept of Israel's Great Commission, often associated with the spread of God's message, raises questions about its applicability under the Old Covenant, governed by Moses' law. This inquiry delves into the heart of a theological debate: the distinction between the Old and New Covenants. The Old Covenant, established with the Israelites at Mount Sinai, was a legal agreement, a set of rules and regulations outlined in the Torah, guiding every aspect of life, from religious rituals to social conduct. It was a conditional promise, where blessings were contingent upon obedience.
In contrast, the New Covenant, prophesied by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 31:31-34) and fulfilled in Christ, is a transformative agreement. It is not a mere revision of the old but a radical shift in the relationship between God and humanity. This covenant is sealed by Jesus' sacrifice, offering forgiveness and a direct connection with God through faith, not just adherence to a legal code. The New Covenant is internal, written on the heart, as opposed to the external nature of the Old Covenant's laws.
A Comparative Analysis:
The Old Covenant's laws, while comprehensive, were often seen as a means to an end, a way to maintain holiness and distinguish God's people. It was a system of rituals and sacrifices, a temporary measure until the ultimate fulfillment in Christ. The New Covenant, however, is about a personal relationship, where the law is not abolished but fulfilled and internalized. This is evident in Jesus' teachings, such as the Sermon on the Mount, where he elevates the law, addressing not just actions but the intentions of the heart.
Practical Implications:
For modern believers, understanding this distinction is crucial. It means recognizing that the Old Covenant's rituals and sacrifices are no longer the means of atonement. Instead, the New Covenant encourages a life led by the Spirit, where love and faith are the guiding principles. This doesn't diminish the value of the Old Testament; rather, it provides a lens to interpret it, seeing Christ as the fulfillment of its prophecies and laws.
A Theological Takeaway:
The shift from Old to New Covenant is not a mere change in rules but a transformation of the human heart. It's about moving from a legalistic relationship with God to a loving, faith-based connection. This understanding is pivotal in interpreting biblical commands and applying them to contemporary life, ensuring that the essence of God's message is not lost in legalism but lived out in spirit and truth.
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Jesus' Command to the Disciples
Jesus’ command to the disciples, often referred to as the Great Commission, is recorded in Matthew 28:16–20. It stands as a pivotal moment in Christian theology, marking the transition from Israel’s covenant under Moses to a universal mission. Unlike the Mosaic Law, which was given specifically to the Israelites and centered on their national and religious identity, Jesus’ mandate transcends ethnic boundaries. He instructs the disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations,” baptizing them and teaching them to obey everything He commanded. This shift from particularism to universalism is profound, as it redefines the scope of God’s mission from a single people to the entire world.
Analytically, the Great Commission contrasts sharply with the framework of Moses’ law. The Mosaic covenant was rooted in the Abrahamic promise of a chosen people and a specific land, with laws governing their religious, social, and moral life. Jesus’ command, however, operates under the new covenant inaugurated by His sacrifice, which fulfills and transcends the old. While Moses’ law was given to a specific group under specific conditions, Jesus’ commission is given to all believers, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to spread a message of grace and redemption globally. This expansion reflects a theological evolution from exclusivity to inclusivity, from law-keeping to faith in Christ.
Practically, implementing the Great Commission requires intentionality and cultural sensitivity. Discipleship, as Jesus defined it, involves more than conversion—it entails teaching and mentoring believers to live according to His teachings. For example, in cross-cultural contexts, this might mean adapting methods of teaching while preserving the core message of the Gospel. Missionaries and local church leaders can employ tools like Bible studies, mentorship programs, and community service to foster spiritual growth. A key caution is avoiding cultural imperialism; the goal is to make disciples, not clones. Respecting local traditions while upholding biblical principles is essential for effective discipleship.
Comparatively, while Moses’ law provided a structured system for Israel’s obedience, Jesus’ command emphasizes relationship over ritual. The disciples were not tasked with imposing a legal code but with fostering a living connection to Christ. This relational focus is evident in Jesus’ promise, “I am with you always,” which assures believers of His presence in their mission. Unlike the rigid prescriptions of the Mosaic Law, the Great Commission is dynamic, adapting to diverse contexts while maintaining its core purpose. This flexibility allows the Gospel to take root in various cultures without losing its essence.
In conclusion, Jesus’ command to the disciples represents a radical departure from the confines of Moses’ law, broadening God’s mission to encompass all nations. It demands both theological clarity and practical adaptability, balancing fidelity to the Gospel with sensitivity to cultural contexts. By focusing on discipleship rather than legalism, it invites believers into a transformative relationship with Christ, fulfilling the ultimate purpose of both the old and new covenants: to bring humanity into harmony with God’s will. This commission remains a timeless call to action, as relevant today as it was two millennia ago.
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Israel's Mission Under Moses' Law
To fulfill this mission, Israel was given specific instructions that went beyond personal piety. They were to build the Tabernacle, a physical representation of God’s dwelling among them, and later the Temple, which symbolized their role as a bridge between heaven and earth. The priestly system, with its rituals and sacrifices, was designed to teach the people about atonement, holiness, and the cost of sin, preparing them to demonstrate God’s redemptive plan to surrounding nations. This was no small task; it required a deep commitment to both spiritual and practical obedience.
A critical aspect of Israel’s mission was its communal nature. The law was not given to individuals in isolation but to a collective body. For example, the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) instructed parents to teach God’s commands to their children, ensuring the mission was passed down through generations. This intergenerational focus highlights the enduring nature of Israel’s calling, which was to remain distinct yet engaged with the world, influencing it through their unique relationship with God.
Practical application of this mission today involves studying the Mosaic Law not as a legalistic checklist but as a blueprint for living out God’s purposes. For instance, tithing (Leviticus 27:30) can be seen as a practice of stewardship and trust in God’s provision, while Sabbath observance (Exodus 20:8-11) teaches the value of rest and dependence on God. By embracing these principles, modern believers can align themselves with Israel’s original mission, becoming a light to the nations in their own time and context.
In conclusion, Israel’s mission under Moses’ law was a multifaceted calling to reflect God’s holiness, mediate His presence, and live as a distinct yet influential community. This mission remains relevant, offering timeless principles for those seeking to fulfill God’s purposes in their lives and in the world. By studying and applying the lessons of the Mosaic Law, individuals and communities can continue to embody the spirit of Israel’s great commission.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the concept of the Great Commission is rooted in the New Testament, specifically in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commands his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. This occurred after the establishment of the New Covenant, not under Moses' law.
Moses' law focused on the covenant between God and the Israelites, emphasizing obedience to the Torah and the establishment of a holy nation. While it included missions like spreading God's reputation among nations, it did not explicitly command evangelism or disciple-making as seen in the Great Commission.
Under Moses' law, the Israelites were primarily called to be a light to the nations (Isaiah 49:6) and to demonstrate God's holiness through their obedience. However, this was not a direct command to evangelize or convert other nations, as the Great Commission later instructed.
