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.”
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.
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.
20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Setting the Scene for Matthew 5:17-20
In Matthew chapter 5, Jesus is delivering the Sermon on the Mount to a large crowd gathered on a mountainside near the Sea of Galilee. The scene is serene, with the gentle breeze carrying the scent of wildflowers and the distant sound of waves lapping against the shore. The crowd is a mix of people from all walks of life, including fishermen, farmers, merchants, and religious leaders, who have come to hear this renowned teacher speak.
Among the crowd are Jesus’ disciples, who have been following him closely and witnessing his miracles and teachings. They are eager to learn from him and understand the deeper meaning behind his words. As Jesus begins to speak, the crowd falls silent, hanging on his every word as he imparts wisdom and challenges their understanding of the law.
In this particular passage, Jesus addresses the importance of upholding the law and the prophets, emphasizing that he has not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. He urges his listeners to exceed the righteousness of the Pharisees and teachers of the law, emphasizing the need for a genuine and heartfelt obedience to God’s commands. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation as Jesus sets the stage for a deeper understanding of God’s kingdom and the true nature of righteousness.
What is Matthew 5:17-20 about?
Jesus is emphasizing in this verse that He came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it. He is highlighting the importance of upholding and honoring the laws and teachings of the Old Testament while also adding a new dimension of righteousness that goes beyond mere external obedience. Jesus challenges His followers to strive for a higher standard of righteousness that is rooted in love, mercy, and humility by mentioning the Pharisees, who were known for strictly following the religious laws but often lacked true righteousness in their hearts.
Think about how Jesus is setting a new standard of righteousness that goes beyond following rules and outward appearances. Why do you think He chose to compare His teachings to those of the Pharisees, a group known for their rigid adherence to the law? How can we apply this concept of surpassing righteousness in our own lives today, seeking to not only follow rules but also to show love and compassion to others? Let’s reflect on how we can deepen our understanding of righteousness and strive to embody the teachings of Jesus in our daily actions.
Understanding what Matthew 5:17-20 really means
Introduction and Context
These verses from Matthew 5:17-20 are part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, a foundational passage for Christian ethics and theology. Here, Jesus addresses the relationship between His teachings and the Jewish Law, also known as the Torah. This passage is crucial for understanding how Jesus views the Law and the Prophets, which were central to Jewish faith and practice.
Key Phrases and Their Meanings
First, let’s consider the phrase, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets.” Jesus is affirming the continuity and fulfillment of the Jewish Scriptures through His teachings. He is not discarding the old ways but rather completing their intended purpose. This assertion is vital because it establishes that Jesus’ message is not a departure but a fulfillment of God’s promises.
The next key phrase is, “I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” Fulfillment here means bringing to completion or realizing the ultimate purpose. Jesus is the embodiment of the Law and the Prophets, living out and perfecting the commandments and prophecies.
Biblical Cross-References
To deepen our understanding, let’s look at Romans 3:31 where Paul writes, “Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? I do not agree by any means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.” This reinforces Jesus’ message that faith in Him does not negate the Law but rather upholds it. Another related passage is Jeremiah 31:33, which speaks of God’s law being written on our hearts—a transformation that Jesus brings. These verses remind us in today’s world that the teachings of Jesus are not meant to discard the Old Testament’s wisdom but to fulfill and deepen our understanding of God’s will. This is relevant in a time when many question the relevance of ancient scriptures. Jesus’ words encourage us to see the continuity of God’s message throughout the Bible.
Practical Application and Anecdote
Think of a potter working with clay. The clay represents the Law and the Prophets, and the potter is Jesus. He doesn’t discard the clay but shapes and molds it into a beautiful vessel. This imagery helps us understand that Jesus shapes our understanding of the Law into something more profound and complete. Jesus’ message in Matthew 5:17-20 calls us to understand and live out the deeper meanings of God’s commandments. He invites us to see His teachings as the fulfillment of God’s promises rather than a replacement. Reflect on how you can embody this fulfillment in your daily life. Are there ways you can honor the ancient wisdom of the scriptures while embracing the transformative teachings of Jesus? We can deepen our faith and understanding by engaging with these questions and insights, seeing the Bible as a unified narrative of God’s love and purpose for humanity.
How can we truly fulfill the law and prophets?
To truly fulfill the law and prophets means not only following the external actions and rituals of the law but also embodying the deeper moral and ethical principles they represent. It goes beyond mere compliance with rules and regulations to embracing a mindset and heartset that align with the spirit of the law. This involves living with integrity, righteousness, compassion, and love towards others.
Jesus emphasizes the importance of righteousness surpassing that of the Pharisees and teachers of the law, pointing to a higher standard of inner purity and sincerity. True fulfillment of the law and prophets requires genuine transformation from within, a genuine change of heart that manifests in our actions and relationships with others. It involves a holistic approach to living out the principles of justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Living in a way that reflects the character of God and the values He desires for His people ultimately fulfills the law and prophets. It is about actively seeking to embody love, compassion, forgiveness, and humility in all aspects of our lives, not just out of duty or obligation, but out of a genuine desire to honor God and show His love to the world.
Application
Think of God’s teachings like the core values at your workplace or the trust within your family. It’s not enough to simply know them; you must actively live them out every day. Real integrity goes beyond the surface—it’s about deep, genuine commitment. Are you ready to live the Scriptures with your whole heart, just like you uphold your family’s values or strive in your job?
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.