Jesus spoke about following the law in Matthew 5:17-20. Here, He clarifies His position regarding the Law of Moses and the writings of the prophets from the Hebrew Scriptures. Jesus stated:
- Matthew 5:17: “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 5:18: “For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.”
- Matthew 5:19: “Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”
- Matthew 5:20: “For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” .
Three Main Takeaways:
- Fulfillment, Not Abolition: Jesus emphasizes that His coming is to fulfill the Law and the Prophets, not to abolish them. This indicates the continuity of God’s redemptive plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament, where Jesus completes and embodies the purposes of the Law.
- Eternal Validity of the Law: Jesus underscores the enduring significance of the Law, stating that not even the smallest detail of it will be disregarded until all God’s purposes are achieved. This highlights the seriousness with which Jesus regards the Law, underlining its role in God’s kingdom.
- The Call to Righteousness: Jesus sets a high standard for righteousness, one that surpasses even that of the scribes and Pharisees, known for their strict adherence to the Law. This points to a righteousness that is not merely about external observance but is deeply rooted in the heart’s attitudes and actions, reflecting the inner transformation that comes from a relationship with Christ.
