In Matthew 5:17-20, Jesus presents profound teachings concerning the Law and the Prophets, emphasizing that He came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it. Understanding this proclamation requires appreciating the Jewish context in which Jesus and His followers operated. Jesus’ Jewish audience held a deep reverence for the Torah, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, which served as the cultural and spiritual bedrock of Jewish identity. While often translated as “The Law,” Torah also means “The Teaching,” a teaching that guides righteous living and entry into God’s Kingdom.
In ancient Judaism, the Torah was more than a legal document; it encompassed covenant and communal identity. Adherence to the Law was foundational to the Jewish relationship with God. The phrase “Law and the Prophets” encompassed the entirety of Hebrew Scripture, reflecting God’s teachings and expectations as conveyed by Moses and subsequent prophets. Jesus’ declaration, “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” (Matthew 5:17), aligns with this understanding of the Law’s vital and enduring nature.
The concept of “fulfillment” is crucial. It has two intertwined meanings. First, Jesus’ fulfillment of the Law signifies the completion of its purpose: to draw people into a deeper relationship with God. This resonates with the Jewish expectation that the Messiah would not revoke the Law but deepen its significance.
Jesus’ assertion that one’s righteousness must exceed that of the Pharisees and teachers of the law to enter the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 5:20) highlights a critical distinction. While the Pharisees emphasized strict adherence to the Holiness Code (focused on ritual purity), Jesus prioritized the Righteousness Code (emphasizing acts of justice and mercy towards others). He challenged His audience to view righteousness not as mere external compliance but as an inner transformation. This aligns with the prophetic tradition’s emphasis on justice, mercy, and humility over ritualistic observance (Micah 6:8).
Examples from the Old Testament illuminate this perspective. David’s consumption of consecrated bread (1 Samuel 21:1-6), while technically unlawful, exemplified mercy over strict adherence to the Law—a principle Jesus later endorsed (Matthew 12:7). Similarly, Jesus’ Sabbath healings (Mark 2:27) demonstrated that the Sabbath was intended for humanity’s benefit, not its restriction. In both instances, the essence of the Law was preserved and exemplified through compassionate action, reflecting the prophetic emphasis on justice and love.
Second, “fulfilling the law” was also a Rabbinic idiom. When a Rabbi said a teaching “abolished the law,” they meant that a previous interpretation of the Torah was flawed and misleading. “To fulfill the law” meant to provide a correct interpretation, making the ancient texts clearer, more understandable, and applicable to contemporary life. Jesus’ teachings offered precisely this—a correct interpretation that clarified the Law’s intent and application.
During the Roman occupation, adherence to the Law served as a form of resistance for the Jewish people. Jesus, however, reframed the Law as a lived practice of justice and community ethics, not merely a checklist of rules. His call for righteousness established a new standard: integrity, love, and authenticity in relationships with God and others. The challenge to exceed the Pharisees’ righteousness shifts the focus from legalistic interpretation to embodying the Law’s spirit—a concept deeply rooted in Jewish thought, where the heart, behavior, and intention are paramount.
Matthew 5:17-20 necessitates a profound understanding of righteousness that transcends simplistic legalism. These verses underscore the continuity between Jesus’ teachings and the prophetic heritage while advocating for a radical reinterpretation of how the Law is understood and lived. By fulfilling the Law, Jesus honors its significance and offers a transformative path based on love, justice, and mercy—core tenets of Jewish faith, remaining relevant today. This passage bridges legalistic strictures and the expansive embrace of divine love, inviting followers to embody the Law’s heart in their daily lives.
The assertion that salvation is solely “by grace through faith” (Ephesians 2:8-9), often misinterpreted as negating the need for changed behavior, contradicts Jesus’ teaching. True faith is not mere mental assent but a trusting, committed discipleship that mirrors Jesus’ fulfillment of the Law. While ritualistic purity is no longer required, fulfilling the Law involves a commitment to righteousness, including love for all humanity and the pursuit of justice and mercy. Jesus corrected the false piety of the Pharisees by teaching the correct interpretation of the Law. God seeks not rule-keepers but disciples who act justly, mercifully, and righteously.
The alarming lack of such behavior in some contemporary churches is deeply concerning. The selective use of scripture to condemn others while ignoring personal failings undermines the true meaning of righteous living. We must take seriously Jesus’ call to righteousness—living in right relationship with God and our fellow humans. While God has granted us righteousness, removing condemnation, the work of living righteously with others remains. As long as injustice, poverty, discrimination, hatred, and inequality persist, we fall short of fulfilling the Law. The path of righteousness is the path to wisdom, leading to a better life, both now and in the future. Are you ready to pursue it?
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