“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
Jesus teaches about the true meaning and application of God’s law. Jesus affirms his respect and authority over the law and the prophets, which are the two main sections of the Hebrew Scriptures, or the Old Testament. He also clarifies His relationship to the law and the prophets, and the implications for His followers. He did not come to abolish, or destroy, the law or the prophets, but to fulfill them. This means that He came to complete and accomplish what the law and the prophets pointed to, which is the salvation and restoration of God’s people and creation. Jesus is the fulfillment of the law and the prophets, because he is the Messiah, the Son of God, who perfectly obeyed God’s will and revealed God’s character. He is also the fulfillment of the law and the prophets, because he is the Lamb of God, who sacrificed himself for the sins of the world and inaugurated the new covenant of grace. Jesus did not come to cancel or contradict the law or the prophets, but to confirm and complete them.
Jesus also says that 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. This means that the law and the prophets are still valid and authoritative, and that every detail and promise of God’s word will be accomplished. Jesus is not saying that the law and the prophets are eternal, but that they are reliable and trustworthy, and that they will not be abolished until God’s plan of redemption is fully realized. Jesus is also not saying that the law and the prophets are unchanged, but that they are interpreted and applied in light of his life, death, and resurrection.
Jesus then says that 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 great in the kingdom of heaven. This means that Jesus expects his followers to respect and obey God’s law, and to teach others to do the same. However, he is not referring to the literal and legalistic observance of the law, but to the spiritual and moral essence of the law, which is to love God and love one’s neighbor. Jesus is also not referring to the old covenant of the law, but to the new covenant of grace, which is based on faith in him and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Jesus is not imposing a burden of works but inviting a blessing of grace.
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)
We are not under the law, but under grace. We are not saved by works, but by faith. We are not bound by rules, but by love. We are not slaves, but children of God. We have a new covenant, sealed by the blood of Jesus, who died and rose for us. He is the mediator, the giver of life. He is the way, the truth, and the life. We have the Holy Spirit, living in us. He is the helper, the teacher, the guide. He is the power, the comfort, the seal. He is the fruit, the gift, the fire. Jesus is not imposing a burden but inviting a blessing. He is not demanding but offering. He is not condemning but forgiving. He is not judging but loving.
Lord Jesus, we thank You for the new covenant of grace, which is based on faith in You and empowered by the Holy Spirit. You are not imposing a burden of works but inviting a blessing of grace. We confess that we often fail to live up to Your standards, and that we need Your forgiveness and mercy. We also acknowledge that we cannot save ourselves by our own efforts, and that we need Your grace and salvation. We ask You to help us to trust in You and to follow You. We ask You to fill us with Your Holy Spirit, and to enable us to love You and to love others. We ask You to transform us into Your image, and to prepare us for Your kingdom. We praise You for Your love and sacrifice, for Your resurrection and victory, for Your presence and promise. You are our Lord and Savior, our King and Friend, our Hope and Joy. In Your name, we pray. Amen.
It is important to observe the statutes and decrees of the Lord, not just for the sake of obedience, but as a testament of wisdom and intelligence. We have a unique relationship with God and the responsibility to pass on His teachings to future generations. We should be mindful of our actions, the value of wisdom, and the importance of remembering and sharing our experiences with the Lord to others. Our actions and beliefs can have a profound impact on how we are perceived by others, and how our wisdom can be a beacon for those around us.
1 Moses spoke to the people and said: “Now, Israel, hear the statutes and decrees which I am teaching you to observe, that you may live, and may enter in and take possession of the land which the Lord, the God of your fathers, is giving you. 5 Therefore, I teach you the statutes and decrees as the Lord, my God, has commanded me, that you may observe them in the land you are entering to occupy. 6 Observe them carefully for thus will you give evidence of your wisdom and intelligence to the nations, who will hear of all these statutes and say, ‘This great nation is truly a wise and intelligent people.’ 7 For what great nation is there that has gods so close to it as the Lord, our God, is to us whenever we call upon him? 8 Or what great nation has statutes and decrees that are as just as this whole law which I am setting before you today? 9 “However, take care and be earnestly on your guard not to forget the things which your own eyes have seen, nor let them slip from your memory as long as you live, but teach them to your children and to your children’s children. (Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9)
To observe the statutes and decrees of the Lord who reigns above is not a burden or a chore but a sign of faith and love. For in His word we find the truth that sets us free from sin and guides us in the path of life that leads us back to Him. To observe the statutes and decrees of the Lord who knows us best is not a mere conformity but a mark of wisdom and intelligence. For in His law we see His will that is good and just and right and teaches us to discern and choose what is pleasing in His sight. To observe the statutes and decrees of the Lord who gives us grace is not a way to earn His favor but a response of thanks and praise. For in His love, He sent His Son to fulfill the law and die and rise again to make us His and to give us eternal life.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for giving us Your statutes and decrees, which reveal Your character and Your will for us. We acknowledge that they are not burdensome, but beneficial for us, as they teach us how to live in a way that honors You and blesses others. Help us to observe Your statutes and decrees, not just for the sake of obedience, but as a testament of wisdom and intelligence. Let us not be like the foolish who disregard Your word and follow their own ways, but like the wise who heed Your word and follow Your ways. Grant us the grace to love You with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Let our actions and words reflect Your love and truth, and let our lives be a light to the world. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
God’s word is powerful and effective, accomplishing His purposes in the world. His word can also refer to His law, which He has given as a guide for life. We have a special relationship with God and He has blessed us in various ways. God protects and prospers us, giving us security and fertility. These are signs of his favor and covenant with us. Praise to God for his power and goodness, deeds and attributes!
12 Glorify the Lord, O Jerusalem; praise your God, O Zion. 13 For he has strengthened the bars of your gates; he has blessed your children within you. 15 He sends forth his command to the earth; swiftly runs his word! 16 He spreads snow like wool; frost he strews like ashes. 19 He has proclaimed his word to Jacob, his statutes and his ordinances to Israel. 20 He has not done thus for any other nation; his ordinances he has not made known to them. (Psalm 147:12-13, 15-16, 19-20)
God's word is powerful and effective, it does not return to Him void, it accomplishes His purposes in the world, it brings forth life and joy. God's word is also His law, it reveals His will and way, it gives us a guide for life, it teaches us how to obey. God's word is a lamp to our feet, it is a light to our path, it shows us the truth and the grace, it leads us to His love.
Almighty God, we thank You for Your word, which is powerful and effective, accomplishing Your purposes in the world. We praise You for Your word, which is also Your law, which You have given us as a guide for life. Help us to treasure Your word in our hearts, and to meditate on it day and night. Help us to obey Your word in our actions, and to align our will with Yours. Help us to share Your word with others, and to witness to Your love and truth. May Your word be a lamp to our feet, and a light to our path. May Your word be a source of wisdom and understanding, and a means of grace and salvation. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Pericope:
II: The Proclamation of the Kingdom
TEACHING ABOUT THE LAW
Matthew 5:17-20
Book of Deuteronomy
ADVANTAGES OF FIDELITY / REVELATION AT HOREB
Deuteronomy 4:1-8 / 9-14
Fifth Book of Psalms 107-150
GOD'S WORD RESTORES JERUSALEM
Psalm 147:1-20
Reflection Source:
Copilot with Edge
