Explore Jesus’ role in fulfilling the Law through Matthew 5:17-20. This study offers deep insights into His teachings and invites believers to live authentically.

Jesus Fulfills the Law: A Study on Matthew 5:17-20

Introduction

In the gospel according to Matthew, Jesus delivers a pivotal teaching often referred to as the Sermon on the Mount. Within this sermon, Matthew 5:17-20 stands out as a profound insight into Jesus’ relationship to the Law and His role in fulfilling it. These verses unveil the transformative way in which Jesus approaches the Law, shifting perspective and understanding while inviting believers to live righteously.

This passage bridges the old covenant with the new, inviting a reflection on what it means for Jesus to fulfill the Law. It’s a call for deeper understanding, grappling with tradition, and embracing transformation. Through Jesus’ words, we find not just adherence to the Law but its fulfillment in a way that ultimately changes hearts and minds.

Summary

In these verses, Jesus states that He has not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets, but rather to fulfill them. He emphasizes the enduring nature of these commandments, insisting that not even the smallest letter will disappear until all is accomplished. Jesus underscores the importance of righteousness, urging people to not only obey the Law but to surpass the righteousness of the religious leaders of the time—challenging believers to depth over legality.

Key Lessons and Themes

Lesson 1: The Fulfillment of the Law

Key Verse: Matthew 5:17 – “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.”

Lesson Summary: Jesus clarifies His mission in this key verse, indicating that His presence signifies the fulfillment of prophecies and promises, not their nullification. The Law and Prophets represent the entirety of the Jewish scriptures, the guiding principles that have shaped Jewish identity and practice for generations.

Expository Commentary: In fulfilling the Law, Jesus brings to completion what was promised, embodying and exemplifying the principles set forth by the Law. His life and teachings illustrate the original intent and depth of the Law, revealing it to be not merely a set of rules but a guide towards a righteous life aligned with God’s will.

Application: In daily life, this fulfillment encourages you to see beyond ritualistic obedience to substantive transformation. You’re called to embody the principles of love, justice, and mercy that underpin the Law. Righteous living is less about rule-following and more about letting Jesus’ teachings permeate your actions and thoughts.

Q&A:

• Q1: Why does Jesus emphasize fulfilling over abolishing the Law?
  • A1: Jesus emphasizes fulfillment because it affirms the continuity and completion of God’s promises, inviting believers into a deeper understanding and practice of faithful living beyond mere compliance.
• Q2: How does Jesus fulfilling the Law impact your understanding of Old Testament teachings?
  • A2: This fulfillment transforms Old Testament teachings into a lived reality in Jesus, demonstrating their ultimate purpose and inviting you to live out these teachings in your life.
• Q3: What changes in your life when you see the Law through the lens of fulfillment?
  • A3: Viewing the Law through this lens highlights a shift towards heart-centered faith, inspiring you to reflect Christ-like love and justice in all actions.

Lesson 2: The Permanence of the Law

Key Verse: Matthew 5:18 – “For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.”

Lesson Summary: Jesus emphasizes the enduring nature of the Law, asserting its permanence until the end of time. Each letter and stroke, representing the minutiae of the Law, holds significance and remains in effect until its divine purposes are fulfilled.

Expository Commentary: This emphasis underscores the completion and perpetuity of God’s word and purpose. The Law is not just a historical script; it is an ongoing guide that holds enduring wisdom and power for each generation. Jesus assures us that the foundations laid down are timeless, continuously pointing toward the fulfillment of God’s kingdom.

Application: This perspective invites you to engage with Scripture deeply, recognizing the living nature of the Word. It calls for a respect for all aspects of God’s teachings, encouraging you to integrate its timeless truths into both modern living and personal growth.

Q&A:

• Q1: What does the statement about the permanence of the Law teach us about God’s promises?
  • A1: It affirms their reliability and unwavering nature, suggesting that God’s promises, like the laws, are steadfast and will reach their conclusion.
• Q2: How does this view of the Law shape your approach to Scripture?
  • A2: It encourages a holistic engagement with Scripture, not picking and choosing but appreciating the richness and integrity of the entire text.
• Q3: Why is it significant that not even the smallest letter of the Law disappears?
  • A3: It highlights God’s attention to detail and the intention behind each commandment, encouraging fidelity to even the smallest aspects of divine instruction.

Lesson 3: The Essence of True Righteousness

Key Verse: Matthew 5:20 – “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Lesson Summary: Jesus challenges the status quo by asserting that true righteousness goes beyond the observable compliance of the Pharisees and teachers of the law. It requires authenticity and depth that transforms from within.

Expository Commentary: The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to the Law; however, Jesus critiques their focus on external compliance without internal transformation. He invites believers into a deeper righteousness—one that transcends legalism and embraces the spirit of the Law.

Application: This lesson invites introspection and heart-oriented faith. You are called to pursue righteousness that reflects integrity, compassion, and sincerity, living in a way that aligns with God’s heart more than just His rules.

Q&A:

• Q1: Why was Jesus critical of the Pharisees’ approach to righteousness?
  • A1: Jesus critiqued their focus on outward appearances and legalistic accomplishments rather than genuine, heart-rooted devotion to God’s principles.
• Q2: How can you cultivate a righteousness that surpasses mere compliance?
  • A2: By nurturing a personal relationship with God that emphasizes internal transformation—embracing grace, humility, and love as core tenets of faith.
• Q3: What modern examples might parallel the Pharisees’ shortcomings?
  • A3: Instances where religion becomes performative rather than transformative can echo the Pharisees’ faults—encouraging reflection on personal intentions and authenticity.

Lesson 4: Embracing the Spirit of the Law

Key Verse: Matthew 5:19 – “Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

Lesson Summary: Jesus highlights the importance of embracing and embodying the true spirit of the Law. It’s about living out God’s commands wholeheartedly and inspiring others by example.

Expository Commentary: By emphasizing the importance of teaching and practicing even the smallest commandments, Jesus invites believers to live out the holistic intention of the Law. It’s less about literal obedience and more about incarnating God’s love, justice, and mercy in tangible, everyday actions.

Application: This call to embrace the spirit of the Law invites you to live authentically, inspiring others through your example. This integrity brings you closer to the kingdom and portrays an honest reflection of God’s truth.

Q&A:

• Q1: How does living out the spirit of the Law transform daily life?
  • A1: It encourages acts of love, kindness, and justice to be natural outflows of faith rather than burdensome duties, transforming interactions and relationships.
• Q2: What does it mean to be called ‘great in the kingdom of heaven’?
  • A2: It denotes a life that faithfully exemplifies God’s principles, demonstrating influence and impact consistent with God’s will and purpose.
• Q3: How can you inspire others to embrace the spirit of the Law?
  • A3: By authentically living out faith, engaging in acts of charity, and teaching others through both words and deeds the profound truths of the gospel.

Reflection and Personal Response

Reflect on how you will personally respond to these truths today. Consider whether there are areas in your life where these lessons need application. How does understanding the fulfillment of the Law through Jesus change your journey of faith? Are there steps you need to take to pursue deeper righteousness or to embody the spirit of the Law more authentically in your daily actions?

Daily Life Reflection

Take a moment to imagine Jesus standing before you today. How would He see your response to His teachings? Let this reflection guide you in aligning your daily life with His principles. Let it be a starting point for change, inspiring you to be a beacon of His truth and love in the world.

A Call to Action

Consider practical steps for living out these lessons. What can you change this week to show that you are truly embracing these teachings? Whether it’s through acts of kindness, deepening your spiritual practices, or fostering genuine relationships—let these changes echo your commitment to walking in the light of Christ’s fulfillment of the Law.

Prayer

Close this study with a prayer for guidance and strength. Ask for God’s help in living according to these teachings, embracing the fulfillment of the Law in your life, and exuding righteousness that reflects Christ in all aspects of your journey.