Understanding the Law of Moses in Light of Jesus

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Context of the Passage
3. The Meaning of "Law and the Prophets"
4. Jesus as the Fulfillment of the Hebrew Scriptures
5. Interpreting the Conditions in Verse 18
6. Changes in the Law of Moses
7. The New Kind of Righteousness
8. The Accomplishment of the Hebrew Scriptures
9. The Purpose of the Law in the Lives of Believers
10. Obtaining Righteousness through Faith in Jesus

🤔 Understanding the Law of Moses in Light of Jesus 📖

In this article, we will explore the passage in Matthew 5:17-20 where Jesus addresses the Law of Moses and its role in the lives of Christians today. This passage is often cited by Torah-observant Christians to argue that the Law of Moses is still in effect for believers. However, a closer examination of the context and the language used reveals a deeper understanding of Jesus' message.

1. Introduction

Before delving into the passage, it's important to establish the context of Matthew 5:17-20 within the Sermon on the Mount. This sermon, spanning from Matthew chapter 5 to chapter 7, contains a series of distinct teachings by Jesus. The passage we are focusing on today appears early in the sermon, after the beatitudes and the teachings on salt and light. It sets the foundation for Jesus' teachings on the law and righteousness.

2. Context of the Passage

Many Torah-observant Christians often quote only verse 18 from this passage to support their belief that the Law of Moses is still applicable today. However, it is essential to understand that verses 17 through 20 form a cohesive teaching within the Sermon on the Mount. These verses cannot be read in isolation; they provide a comprehensive perspective on the law.

3. The Meaning of "Law and the Prophets"

In verse 17, Jesus declares, "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." It is crucial to note that the phrase "law and the prophets" refers to the Hebrew Scriptures, encompassing the entire body of text commonly known as the Old Testament. Jesus' message extends beyond just the Law of Moses; He intends to fulfill the entirety of the Hebrew Scriptures.

4. Jesus as the Fulfillment of the Hebrew Scriptures

What does it mean for Jesus to fulfill the Hebrew Scriptures? The New Testament is clear that Jesus is the promised Messiah, the anointed one prophesied in the Hebrew Bible. The very title of "Christ" means "Messiah." Jesus' fulfillment includes satisfying everything in the Hebrew Scriptures that spoke of Him or pointed to Him, including Messianic prophecies. The theme of fulfillment resonates throughout the New Testament.

5. Interpreting the Conditions in Verse 18

Verse 18 states, "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." This verse has been interpreted differently, with some arguing that the Law of Moses will endure until heaven and earth pass away, and others suggesting that it will remain until all is accomplished. Considering the overall context, the better interpretation seems to be that the condition for the passing of the law is the fulfillment of the Hebrew Scriptures.

6. Changes in the Law of Moses

Although some may claim that the Law of Moses is eternal, the New Testament reveals that certain aspects of the law have passed away. Jesus' statement in Matthew 5:18, "not an iota, not a dot will pass from the law," emphasizes the lack of even the slightest change in the Law of Moses. However, the New Testament demonstrates significant changes in areas such as sacrificial laws, priesthood, temple practices, dietary restrictions, and the prohibition on adding new commands.

7. The New Kind of Righteousness

In verse 20, Jesus makes a remarkable statement, saying, "For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and the Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." This declaration underscores a new kind of righteousness that surpasses the mere legal obedience of the scribes and Pharisees. Jesus's teachings place an emphasis on an inward righteousness that goes beyond external actions and aligns with the heart.

8. The Accomplishment of the Hebrew Scriptures

Jesus' mission on earth was to fulfill what the Hebrew Scriptures foretold about Him. He accomplished this through His life, death, and resurrection, precisely as described in the Scriptures. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples and explained how He fulfilled the Scriptures. This affirmation of fulfillment confirms that the conditions mentioned in Matthew 5:18 have indeed been met.

9. The Purpose of the Law in the Lives of Believers

Although Christians are no longer bound by the legal requirements of the Law of Moses, it still holds significance in their lives. The Hebrew Scriptures have multiple functions, including witnessing against us, pointing us to Jesus, teaching us about God, offering wisdom and insight, deepening our understanding of Christ, and challenging us to love God and our neighbor. The Mosaic law, while no longer the ultimate covenant, prepares believers for the better covenant through faith in Jesus.

10. Obtaining Righteousness through Faith in Jesus

In conclusion, Matthew 5:17-20 provides clarity on the relationship between the Law of Moses and the message of Jesus. Jesus came not to abolish the Hebrew Scriptures but to fulfill them. He fulfilled what was prophesied about Him, rendering certain aspects of the Law of Moses obsolete. The New Testament teaches that righteousness is obtained through faith in Jesus, who imparts His righteousness to believers. Understanding the context and fulfillment of the Hebrew Scriptures brings deeper insight into the role of the law in the Christian life.

🌟 Highlights:

• Jesus came to fulfill the Hebrew Scriptures, not abolish them. (Verse 17)
• The phrase "law and the prophets" refers to the entirety of the Hebrew Scriptures, not just the Law of Moses.
• Conditions for the passing of the law are the fulfillment of the Hebrew Scriptures. (Verse 18)
• The New Testament reveals changes in the Law of Moses, indicating fulfillment.
• The righteousness required for salvation surpasses mere legal obedience.
• The Hebrew Scriptures serve multiple purposes in the lives of believers.
• Righteousness is obtained through faith in Jesus, who fulfilled the Hebrew Scriptures.

🙋 FAQ:

Q: Does the Law of Moses still apply to Christians today? A: While the Law of Moses holds significance in understanding the Hebrew Scriptures, the New Testament teaches that righteousness and salvation are obtained through faith in Jesus, not through legal obedience to the Mosaic law.

Q: What did Jesus mean by "fulfill" in Matthew 5:17? A: Jesus fulfilled the Hebrew Scriptures by satisfying everything in them that spoke of Him or pointed to Him, including Messianic prophecies. He accomplished this through His life, death, and resurrection.

Q: Has anything changed in the Law of Moses? A: Yes, the New Testament reveals significant changes in areas such as sacrificial laws, priesthood, temple practices, dietary restrictions, and the prohibition on adding new commands. These changes indicate that certain aspects of the Mosaic law have passed away.

Q: How does righteousness in the New Testament differ from the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees? A: The righteousness taught by Jesus surpasses the external legal obedience of the scribes and Pharisees. It emphasizes an inward righteousness that aligns with the heart and goes beyond mere external actions. This righteousness is obtained through faith in Jesus.