Read Mt 5.17-20
"Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.
(Matthew 5:17)
Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets
"Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.
(Matthew 5:17)
Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets
This passage can be very confusion and even the scholars admit the complexities of untangling the theological aspects of Jesus’ statements. This is how I have arranged the passage in my mind;
1. Jesus fulfilled the Law (He was perfect and this made Him a worthy sacrifice; 2 Cor 5.21, Heb 4.15, 7.26, 1 Pet 2.22-23)
2. The Law is good and eternal (Rom 7.13, Isa 40:8, 1 Pet 1:23, Lk 16:17)
3. The Law will accomplish its intent (to be a tutor to bring us to Christ; Gal 3.19-22, Rom 5.20, Gal 3.24-25)
4. Obedience is expected in the Kingdom of God (although our obedience in itself would never be enough to gain entrance into the Kingdom; Mt 7.24, Mt 28.20, Jm 1.22)
5. To enter the Kingdom one must be more righteous then the Scribes and Pharisees (1 Pet 1.16, Mt 5.48; Jesus is alluding to the righteousness that comes only through Him in justification. This is grace; Rom 4.6, 2 Cor 5.21, Rom 4.22-25, Heb 7.26-27)
The implications of what Jesus says for disciplemaking are huge. We must completely embrace the gift of grace while at the same time shoulder the responsibility of obedience. This causes us to live in a tricky tension that, although we may not completely understand, we accept as truth. Communicating these truths to young disciples takes time and clarification through study, explanation, and experience. FJ79
If you have other cross-references that would fit into these categories, please send them to me. I’d love to include them as an edit to this devo.
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