Fulfillment of the Law

 

“Do not think that I have 

come to abolish the law or 

the prophets. I have come not

to abolish but to fulfill. 

Amen, I say to you, 

until heaven and earth pass 

away, not the smallest letter 

or the smallest part of a letter 

will pass from the law, 

until all things have taken place.

(Matthew 5:17-18)

The Old Testament laws and prophecies are not outdated or irrelevant but are brought to their full meaning and purpose in Jesus. Jesus emphasizes that not even the smallest detail of the Law will disappear until everything is accomplished. This underscores the importance of obedience to God’s commands. 

Those who practice and teach God’s commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. This highlights the value of not only living out our faith personally, but also guiding others in their spiritual journey. 

There is a strong link between what we say and what we do. We are called to ‘walk it as we talk it’, demonstrating sincerity and integrity in our lives. 

Let us examine our own lives and attitudes, reminding us that true righteousness comes from the heart and not just from outward observance of the law.

In ancient scrolls, wisdom unfurls,

Not outdated, their relevance whirls.

Old Testament's voice, in Jesus finds choice,

Full meaning and purpose, in Him, we rejoice.

Not a letter will fade, not a stroke will be swayed,

Till all is accomplished, the foundation is laid.

Emphasized by the Savior, with divine behavior,

Obedience to God's commands, a taste we should savor.

Great in heaven's realm, they take the helm,

Who practice and teach, with God at the helm.

Living faith personally, guiding others intentionally,

In the kingdom of heaven, they shine essentially.

Words and deeds connected, sincerity reflected,

'Walk it as we talk it', integrity is expected.

Examine our lives, cut through like knives,

True righteousness thrives, in inward strives.

Not just outward law, but a heart without flaw,

In the mirror of the soul, let us draw.

A reminder profound, in His grace we are found,

In love and obedience, let our lives be crowned.

Dear Lord Jesus,

We come before You, acknowledging the timeless relevance of the Old Testament laws and prophecies. We are grateful that they are not outdated or irrelevant but are brought to their full meaning and purpose in You.

We are humbled by Your words, emphasizing that not even the smallest detail of the Law will disappear until everything is accomplished. This underscores the importance of obedience to God’s commands. Help us to live in obedience to Your word, and to value Your commands above all else.

We pray for the strength to practice and teach Your commands. May we be called great in the kingdom of heaven, not for our glory, but for Yours. We understand the value of not only living out our faith personally but also guiding others in their spiritual journey. Grant us the wisdom and courage to lead others towards You.

We recognize the strong link between what we say and what we do. We are called to ‘walk it as we talk it’, demonstrating sincerity and integrity in our lives. Help us to live authentically, reflecting Your love and truth in all that we do.

Finally, we pray for the grace to examine our own lives and attitudes, reminding us that true righteousness comes from the heart and not just from outward observance of the law. Create in us a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within us.

In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Proclamation of the Kingdom

TEACHING ABOUT THE LAW

Matthew 5:17-20

Gospel | Matthew 5:17-19

Gospel Acclamation

Teach me your paths, my God, and guide me in your truth. 

17 Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. 18 Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place. 19 Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.” 

Background:

Matthew 5:17-19 is a part of the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament of the Bible. These verses are a part of the Sermon on the Mount, one of the major discourses of Jesus in Matthew. Here’s the passage from the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible:

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 tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19 Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven."

In these verses, Jesus is addressing his disciples and the crowds, clarifying his relationship with the Law (the Torah) and the Prophets (the Nevi’im), two of the three major sections of the Hebrew Bible. He asserts that he has not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfill them. This means that Jesus came to complete the law and the prophecies of the Old Testament, and to establish a new covenant between God and His people.

The Gospel of Matthew was likely written in the late 50s or early 60s AD. The author is traditionally believed to be Matthew (also called Levi), a tax collector who became a disciple of Jesus. The original audience may have been the church in Antioch of Syria, which included both Jewish and Gentile Christians.

These verses have been interpreted in various ways by different Christian traditions and scholars. Some see them as affirming the continued importance of the Old Testament laws, while others view them in the context of Jesus’ broader teaching on love and mercy. Regardless of interpretation, these verses emphasize the importance of obedience to God’s commands and the teaching of these commands to others.

Learning Lessons:

Matthew 5:17-19 offers several important lessons for us:

Fulfillment of the Law: Jesus came not to abolish the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfill them1. This teaches us that the Old Testament laws and prophecies are not outdated or irrelevant, but are brought to their full meaning and purpose in Jesus.

Importance of Obedience: Jesus emphasizes that not even the smallest detail of the Law will disappear until everything is accomplished. This underscores the importance of obedience to God’s commands.

Teaching Others: Those who practice and teach God’s commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. This highlights the value of not only living out our faith personally, but also guiding others in their spiritual journey.

Integrity and Sincerity: There is a strong link between what we say and what we do. We are called to ‘walk it as we talk it’, demonstrating sincerity and integrity in our lives.

Righteousness Surpassing the Pharisees: Jesus states that our righteousness must surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees. This challenges us to examine our own lives and attitudes, reminding us that true righteousness comes from the heart and not just from outward observance of the law.

These lessons remind us of the enduring relevance of God’s commands, the importance of living out our faith with integrity, and the call to guide others in their spiritual journey. They challenge us to strive for a righteousness that comes from a genuine relationship with God, rather than just outward compliance with religious rules.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Published:

June 12, 2024, 7:48 AM

Fulfillment of the Law

“Do not think that I have come 

to abolish the law or the prophets. 

I have come not to abolish but to fulfill."

(Matthew 5:17)

The Old Testament laws and prophecies are not outdated or irrelevant, but are brought to their full meaning and purpose in Jesus. Jesus emphasizes that not even the smallest detail of the Law will disappear until everything is accomplished. This underscores the importance of obedience to God’s commands. Those who practice and teach God’s commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. This highlights the value of not only living out our faith personally, but also guiding others in their spiritual journey. There is a strong link between what we say and what we do. We are called to ‘walk it as we talk it’, demonstrating sincerity and integrity in our lives. Let us examine our own lives and attitudes, reminding us that true righteousness comes from the heart and not just from outward observance of the law.

17 Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. 18 Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place. 19 Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:17-19)

In ancient scrolls, wisdom unfurls, not outdated, their relevance whirls. Old Testament's voice, in Jesus finds choice, full meaning and purpose, in Him, we rejoice. Not a letter will fade, not a stroke will be swayed, till all is accomplished, the foundation is laid. Emphasized by the Savior, with divine behavior, obedience to God's commands, a taste we should savor. Great in heaven's realm, they take the helm, who practice and teach, with God at the helm. Living faith personally, guiding others intentionally, in the kingdom of heaven, they shine essentially. Words and deeds connected, sincerity reflected, 'Walk it as we talk it', integrity is expected. Examine our lives, cut through like knives, true righteousness thrives, in inward strives. Not just outward law, but a heart without flaw, in the mirror of the soul, let us draw. A reminder profound, in His grace we are found, in love and obedience, let our lives be crowned.

Dear Lord Jesus, we come before You, acknowledging the timeless relevance of the Old Testament laws and prophecies. We are grateful that they are not outdated or irrelevant, but are brought to their full meaning and purpose in You. We are humbled by Your words, emphasizing that not even the smallest detail of the Law will disappear until everything is accomplished. This underscores the importance of obedience to God’s commands. Help us to live in obedience to Your word, and to value Your commands above all else. We pray for the strength to practice and teach Your commands. May we be called great in the kingdom of heaven, not for our glory, but for Yours. We understand the value of not only living out our faith personally, but also guiding others in their spiritual journey. Grant us the wisdom and courage to lead others towards You. We recognize the strong link between what we say and what we do. We are called to ‘walk it as we talk it’, demonstrating sincerity and integrity in our lives. Help us to live authentically, reflecting Your love and truth in all that we do. Finally, we pray for the grace to examine our own lives and attitudes, reminding us that true righteousness comes from the heart and not just from outward observance of the law. Create in us a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within us. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

God is supreme and has power over all things. It is futile to worship idols and we must only worship the one true God. It’s never too late to acknowledge God’s sovereignty and return to Him. He hears and answers our prayers in a powerful way especially when they are offered with a sincere heart and for His glory. Let us remain steadfast in our faith, trust in God’s power and timing, and uphold His commandments in our lives even when the odds seem stacked against us.

20 Ahab sent to all the children of Israel and had the prophets assemble on Mount Carmel. 21 Elijah appealed to all the people and said, “How long will you straddle the issue? If the Lord is God, follow him; if Baal, follow him.” The people, however, did not answer him. 22 So Elijah said to the people, “I am the only surviving prophet of the Lord, and there are four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal. 23 Give us two young bulls. Let them choose one, cut it into pieces, and place it on the wood, but start no fire. I shall prepare the other and place it on the wood, but shall start no fire. 24 You shall call on your gods, and I will call on the Lord. The God who answers with fire is God.” All the people answered, “Agreed!” 25 Elijah then said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose one young bull and prepare it first, for there are more of you. Call upon your gods, but do not start the fire.” 26 Taking the young bull that was turned over to them, they prepared it and called on Baal from morning to noon, saying, “Answer us, Baal!” But there was no sound, and no one answering. And they hopped around the altar they had prepared. 27 When it was noon, Elijah taunted them: “Call louder, for he is a god and may be meditating, or may have retired, or may be on a journey. Perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened.” 28 They called out louder and slashed themselves with swords and spears, as was their custom, until blood gushed over them. 29 Noon passed and they remained in a prophetic state until the time for offering sacrifice. But there was not a sound; no one answered, and no one was listening. 30 Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come here to me.” When the people had done so, he repaired the altar of the Lord which had been destroyed. 31 He took twelve stones, for the number of tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom the Lord had said, “Your name shall be Israel.” 32 He built an altar in honor of the Lord with the stones, and made a trench around the altar large enough for two measures of grain. 33 When he had arranged the wood, he cut up the young bull and laid it on the wood. 34 “Fill four jars with water,” he said, “and pour it over the burnt offering and over the wood.” “Do it again,” he said, and they did it again. “Do it a third time,” he said, and they did it a third time. 35 The water flowed around the altar, and the trench was filled with the water. 36 At the time for offering sacrifice, the prophet Elijah came forward and said, “Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac,and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things by your command. 37 Answer me, Lord! Answer me, that this people may know that you, Lord, are God and that you have brought them back to their senses.” 38 The Lord’s fire came down and consumed the burnt offering, wood, stones, and dust, and it lapped up the water in the trench. 39 Seeing this, all the people fell prostrate and said, “The Lord is God! The Lord is God!” (1 Kings 18:20-39)

In the vast expanse of the cosmos, His power reigns supreme, over all things, seen and unseen, like a divine dream. Idols of stone and wood, they crumble, they fall, for the one true God, He is above all. Worship not the created, but the Creator, in His love and mercy, there's no comparator. It's never too late, to His sovereignty, we attest, return to Him, in His arms, we find rest. He hears our prayers, in the silence of the night, answers them in ways that set our hearts alight. With a sincere heart, for His glory, we pray, in powerful ways, He shows us the way. Steadfast in faith, though the odds seem high, in His power and timing, we rely. His commandments we uphold, in our lives, they weave, for in His promises, we trust, we believe.

Dear Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that You are supreme and have power over all things. We recognize the futility of idol worship and affirm that You are the one true God we must worship. We confess that at times we have strayed, but we know it’s never too late to acknowledge Your sovereignty and return to You. We are grateful that You are a forgiving God, always ready to accept us back into Your loving arms. We thank You for hearing and answering our prayers in a powerful way, especially when they are offered with a sincere heart and for Your glory. We are constantly amazed by Your love and faithfulness. Help us to remain steadfast in our faith, trust in Your power and timing, and uphold Your commandments in our lives even when the odds seem stacked against us. Give us the strength to face all challenges with courage and grace, knowing that You are with us every step of the way. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

God is our ultimate source of goodness. We should place our our trust in Him and acknowledge that without God, we are nothing. God is our portion in life, our source of sustenance and satisfaction. We should avoid idolatry and false gods, and to focus our worship and devotion on the one true God. Let us have confidence in God’s presence and guidance in our lives as we look forward to the eternal happiness that comes from a relationship with Him.

1 Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge; 2 I say to the Lord, “My Lord are you.” 4 They multiply their sorrows who court other gods. Blood libations to them I will not pour out, nor will I take their names upon my lips. 5 O Lords, my allotted portion and my cup, you it is who hold fast my lot. 8 I set the Lord ever before me; with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed. 11 You will show me the path to life, fullness of joys in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever. (Psalm 16:1-2, 4, 5, 8, 11) 

In the vast expanse of the cosmos, in the starry night, there exists an ultimate source of goodness, our guiding light. We place our trust in Him, in His divine plan, acknowledging that without God, we are but a fleeting lifespan. God, our portion in life, our source of satisfaction, fills us with sustenance, and boundless compassion. We turn away from false gods, from idolatry's snare, focusing our worship on the One who's always there. In the face of trials, in the face of strife, we find confidence in God's presence, in His abundant life. Guided by His wisdom, by His love so profound, in His eternal happiness, we are forever found.

Dear Heavenly Father, You are our ultimate source of goodness, in You, we place our trust and witness. Without You, we acknowledge, we are nothing, in Your love and grace, we find our being. You are our portion in life, our satisfaction, our source of sustenance, our divine attraction. We turn away from false gods, from idolatry's lure, and focus our worship on You, pure and sure. In Your presence, we find confidence and peace, Your guidance in our lives, may it never cease. We look forward to the eternal happiness that's to come, from a relationship with You, where our strength is from. In Your holy name, we pray, Amen.

Pericope:

Gospel

II: The Proclamation of the Kingdom

TEACHING ABOUT THE LAW

Matthew 5:17-20

First Reading

III: Stories of the Prophets

ELIJAH AND THE PROPHETS OF BAAL

1 Kings 18:20-39

Psalm

First Book of Psalms 1-41

GOD THE SUPREME GOOD

Psalm 16:1-11

Related Blogs:

https://biblereflectionsandcommentaries.blogspot.com/2024/06/fulfillment-of-law.html

https://choosethebestpart.blogspot.com/2024/06/make-choice.html

https://runtotherisenlord.blogspot.com/2024/06/path-of-life.html

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Published:

June 12, 2024, 8:08 AM