How does Matthew 5:17 affirm the continuity of the Old Testament Law? Matthew 5:17 in Context “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.” What Jesus Does NOT Say • He never hints the Law is defective or outdated. • “Abolish” (καταλύω) means to tear down or destroy—Jesus flatly denies that intention. • By pairing “Law and Prophets,” He embraces the whole Old Testament, not a selective portion. What Jesus DOES Say: “To Fulfill” • Fulfill (πληρόω) carries the sense of filling to the brim—bringing purpose to completion, not ending usefulness. • Christ perfectly obeys every command (Hebrews 4:15), validates every prophecy (Luke 24:44), and supplies the substance behind every shadow (Colossians 2:16-17). • Thus the Law’s integrity stands; its goal is reached in Him. Continuity Visible in the Next Verses • Matthew 5:18—“Until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot or tittle will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” • Matthew 5:19—He warns against relaxing even “the least of these commandments,” proving ongoing authority. How Jesus’ Fulfillment Affirms the Law • Perfect Obedience—He lived the righteousness the Law demands (1 Peter 2:22). • Prophetic Realization—Every messianic promise finds its “Yes” in Him (2 Corinthians 1:20). • Sacrificial Completion—The ceremonial system points to His once-for-all offering (Hebrews 10:1-14). • Moral Clarification—He intensifies, never diminishes, ethical expectations (Matthew 5:21-48). • Covenantal Continuity—The New Covenant writes the same Law on hearts (Jeremiah 31:31-33; Hebrews 8:10). The Moral Law Still Stands • Romans 3:31—“Do we, then, nullify the Law by this faith? Certainly not! Instead, we uphold the Law.” • Galatians 5:13-14—Love, the Law’s summary, governs Christian liberty. • James 2:8-12—The “royal law” remains the believer’s standard. Practical Takeaways • Study the Old Testament with confidence—it reveals Christ and continues to instruct (2 Timothy 3:16). • Honor God’s moral commands; grace empowers obedience, not excuse for lawlessness (Titus 2:11-14). • Read ceremonial and civil statutes as portraits of Christ’s redemptive work, now fulfilled yet still illuminating His character. Supporting Echoes of Continuity • Luke 16:17—“It is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for a single stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law.” • Romans 10:4—“Christ is the culmination of the Law,” showing its purpose met, not erased. • 1 John 2:3-6—Knowing Christ is verified by keeping His commandments. Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:17 therefore uphold the Old Testament’s lasting authority, even as He brings it to its full, glorious completion in Himself. |
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