Matthew 5:17-20, Christ Came to Fulfill the Law

1

7 “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. 18 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. 19 Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Comments

All along Matthew has been quoting the Prophets saying that what they said has been fulfilled in Jesus. Now Jesus says, “I have not come to set aside the Old Testament, but to bring the fulfillment to which it pointed. For no part of it can ever be set aside, but all must be fulfilled as I am doing it in my ministry and teaching.

The consistent Christian will be guided by the Old Testament. But a truly Christian attitude is not the legalism of the scribes and Pharisees, but a deeper commitment to do the will of God, especially as regards the moral law towards one’s neighbor.

Application/Reflection

Bishop Gary Lillibridge insightfully stated, “It is easier to love God than your neighbor!” By loving our neighbor as ourself, we will also love God. Sometimes it is easier to think about loving God this way when our neighbor makes us cranky!

Prayer

Lord Jesus, when I am not able to love others as you call me to love them, help me turn and sit with you for a while. Fill me with your Spirit that my eyes may be opened to see God’s image in them, and as I see, assist me to love and cherish others as you command.