Understanding the Continuity of the Law for Christians: Matthew 5:17-20 Explained

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding the Context of Matthew 5:17-20
3. The Meaning of "Law and the Prophets" in Verse 17
4. The Fulfillment of the Hebrew Scriptures by Jesus
5. Interpreting "Until Heaven and Earth Pass Away"
6. The Relationship between "All is Accomplished" and the Law of Moses
7. The Change in the Law of Moses through the Work of Christ
8. Exploring the New Kind of Righteousness Taught by Jesus
9. The Conditions for Entering the Kingdom of Heaven
10. The Role of the Hebrew Scriptures in the Lives of Christians

Understanding the Context of Matthew 5:17-20

In the Sermon on the Mount, recorded in Matthew 5-7, Jesus delivers a series of teachings that have captivated believers for centuries. One particular passage, Matthew 5:17-20, has sparked debates among Torah-observant Christians regarding the continuity of the Law of Moses for Christians today. To understand the true meaning of these verses, it is essential to examine the context in which they were delivered.

The Meaning of "Law and the Prophets" in Verse 17

In verse 17, Jesus states, "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." This statement is often misinterpreted as solely referring to the Mosaic Law. However, a closer examination reveals that Jesus is referring to the entirety of the Hebrew Scriptures, which include the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms. Jesus's mission was not to abolish these Scriptures but to fulfill what they had foretold about Him as the promised Messiah.

The Fulfillment of the Hebrew Scriptures by Jesus

As the Messiah, Jesus came to fulfill the prophecies, teachings, and promises found in the Hebrew Scriptures. This fulfillment extends beyond just the Law of Moses. Jesus's life, death, and resurrection fulfilled the Messianic prophecies, offering salvation and forgiveness to all who believe in Him. The New Testament frequently refers to the fulfillment of the Hebrew Scriptures, emphasizing Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah.

Interpreting "Until Heaven and Earth Pass Away"

Verse 18 presents a challenge in interpretation: "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." Some interpret this to mean that the Law of Moses will remain unchanged until the end of the world. However, a deeper analysis suggests that the condition for the law remaining unchanged is tied to the accomplishment of everything the Hebrew Scriptures foretold about the Messiah.

The Relationship between "All is Accomplished" and the Law of Moses

The phrase "until all is accomplished" refers to the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies and the purpose of Jesus's mission. The Greek word used for "all" indicates the completion of a specific task or purpose. It signifies that Jesus's life, death, and resurrection achieved what was necessary for the law to undergo significant changes. The New Testament reveals that certain aspects of the Law of Moses, such as sacrificial offerings, have passed away through the work of Christ.

The Change in the Law of Moses through the Work of Christ

Jesus's teaching in Matthew 5:17-20 suggests that there will be a change in the law after the fulfillment of the Hebrew Scriptures. The Bible demonstrates this change by highlighting how the sacrificial laws, priesthood regulations, temple practices, dietary restrictions, and even the prohibition of adding new commands have undergone transformation as a result of Jesus's work. The New Testament emphasizes that the righteousness needed for salvation exceeds the legalistic obedience of the scribes and the Pharisees.

Exploring the New Kind of Righteousness Taught by Jesus

Jesus sets a higher standard for righteousness, declaring that unless our righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and the Pharisees, we will not enter the kingdom of heaven. This statement challenges the prevailing understanding of righteousness based solely on adherence to the Law of Moses. Jesus teaches a righteousness founded on faith in Him as the Messiah and the imputation of His righteousness to believers. Salvation is not earned through legalistic obedience but received through faith in Jesus Christ.

The Conditions for Entering the Kingdom of Heaven

Jesus makes it clear that entrance into the kingdom of heaven is not determined by strict adherence to the Law of Moses but by faith in Him and the righteousness that comes through Him. Keeping the commandments is not the means of salvation, but rather a response to the grace and love received from God. Jesus teaches that those who relax the commandments and teach others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom, while those who do and teach them will be called great.

The Role of the Hebrew Scriptures in the Lives of Christians

Though Christians are no longer under the legal requirements of the Law of Moses, the Hebrew Scriptures, including the Law and the Prophets, still serve important functions in their lives. The Scriptures bear witness to Jesus as the Messiah, provide wisdom and insight, deepen the understanding of God and His work, challenge believers to love God and others, and point to the new covenant established by Jesus. Christians should study the Hebrew Scriptures with a Christ-centered perspective, recognizing their historical and theological significance.

Highlights

• Jesus came to fulfill the Hebrew Scriptures, not to abolish them.
• The Law and the Prophets refer to the entirety of the Hebrew Scriptures.
• The conditions for the law remaining unchanged are tied to the accomplishment of everything foretold about the Messiah.
• Certain aspects of the Law of Moses have passed away through the work of Christ.
• Jesus teaches a new kind of righteousness based on faith in Him as the Messiah.
• Entrance into the kingdom of heaven is not determined by strict adherence to the Law of Moses but by faith in Jesus Christ.
• The Hebrew Scriptures continue to have a valuable role in the lives of Christians.

FAQ

Q: Does the fulfillment of the Hebrew Scriptures mean that the Mosaic Law is no longer applicable to Christians?

A: Yes, the fulfillment of the Hebrew Scriptures, including the Messianic prophecies, signifies a new covenant established by Jesus Christ. While the principles found in the Mosaic Law may still hold moral and ethical value, Christians are no longer bound by its ceremonial and sacrificial aspects.

Q: How can Christians exceed the righteousness of the scribes and the Pharisees?

A: Christians exceed the righteousness of the scribes and the Pharisees by placing their faith in Jesus Christ. It is through the imputation of His righteousness that believers are deemed righteous before God. This righteousness is attained through faith, not by works of the law.

Q: Do Christians need to study the Hebrew Scriptures?

A: Yes, studying the Hebrew Scriptures provides a deeper understanding of God's redemptive plan and His character. The Hebrew Scriptures bear witness to Jesus as the Messiah and offer wisdom, guidance, and insights into the nature of God.