Ezekiel & Christ

Ezekiel & Christ

Introduction: Daniel and Ezekiel were both written during the captivity. From 606 to 585 BC Jerusalem and the temple were attached three times. Each time a group of Jews were taken captive. Daniel was in the first group, around 606 BC. Ezekiel was in the group taken around 597 BC. Before the captivity God spoke of the punishment about to be dealt to the Jews. He also gave words of encouragement, spoke of a remnant that would return from captivity, the rebuilding of the city, and the rebuilding of the temple.

He also pointed toward the coming of the Messiah, the Delilverer. During the captivity God remembered His promised and covenants with Abraham, David, and Jeremiah. The over all theme is "They shall know I Am Jehovah" used 62 times in this book.

I) Quick Introduction

A) Chapter 1 God reveals Himself to Ezekiel before the captivity. .

B) Chapter 2 Ezekiel is called to be a prophet

1. Sent to a rebellious people, the prospect of captivity did not change their attitude, v. 1-4

2. This was done so the people will know there was a prophet in their midst, whether they listened or not, vv. 5-7

3. Ezekiel is being called to a life of hardship and persecution, v. 10

C) Chapter 3

1. Ezekiel told to eat a scroll containing the word of God, v. 1.

a. To Ezekiel it was sweet or desirable.

b. We are told to "desire the milk of the word" 1 Peter 2.2.

2. Ezekiel warned the people but they would not listen, v. 7

3. Ezekiel’s role as a watchman, one sent to warn the house of Israel, vv. 17-21

a. Ezekiel could not make the people listen or obey the word of God.

b. Ezekiel’s responsibility was to warn them.

c. The one’s that listen and repented would be saved.

d. The one’s that did not listen would be lost.

e. Ezekiel would be lost if he did not fulfill his responsibility to preach the word of God.

4. That principle is carried over to the New testament.

a. Paul was under obligation to teach al men the word of God, Romans 1.14-15

b. We are told to preach the word, 2 Timothy 4.2-5.

D) Chapter 18 the one who sins shall die

1. The charge to not speak any more a false proverb, v. 2-3

2. God does not impugn sin from one person to another, each individual is accountable for what they have done, v. 4-5

3. Further explanation of the principle, vv. 19-20.

E) Chapter 21 describes God’s punishment on Jerusalem

1. As a sword taken out of its sheath, it is polished and ready to punish.

2. They will be powerless to stop the punishment of God, v. 7

II) Christ in Ezekiel

A) Chapter 34 the Wicked Shepherds vs. the Good Shepherd

1. The kings, princes, other rulers, and the priest were supposed to rule righteously.

a. They were servants of God and were obligated to help the people.

2. The comparison to a shepherd.

a. Shepherds feed the flock – these shepherds fed themselves (they ate the fat, clothed themselves with wool, and slaughtered the fatlings). V. 2-3.

b. Shepherds help the weak, watch after the sick, brought back what was driven away, v. 4 – These shepherds were cruel and ruled over the sheep.

c. When the flock is scattered, shepherds go out and round them up, bring back the lost.

d. These shepherds allowed the sheep to wander off and be lost.

e. The result being God’s flock become food for every beast, fell into idolatry, and captured by other nations, v. 8

f. God shall gather together His people, He will deliver them, feed them, and heal them, v. 11-16a.

g. God will also judge the shepherds, v. 16b-ff

2. The one true shepherd, v. 23-24

a. Jesus is the good shepherd, John 10.11ff

b He died for His sheep, protects them, and loves them.

B) Ezekiel 37 and the Dry Bones

1. God will raise up Israel, v. 11-13

2. They will return to Canaan, v. 21

3. No longer two kingdoms but one united Kingdom, v. 22

4. Immediate fulfillment was when the people returned from captivity and were united; in the boarder view it was fulfilled when Christ died on the cross.

5. Through the gospel all of mankind is united in Him, v. 24-25; John 10.16; Ephesians 2 describes the wall of division being taken down and all of everyone being reconciled in one body.

Conclusion: We have barely touched the hem of the garment. Keep in mind the principle that each person is accountable for their own sins, we have a obligation to warn others of their sins, and God sent Jesus to lead His people. 1 Peter 2.21-25

D.T. @ Westside Church of Christ 03.04.07

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