How does Isaiah 42:21 connect to Jesus fulfilling the law in Matthew 5:17? Setting the Stage • Isaiah 42 forms one of the great “Servant Songs,” unveiling the coming Messiah’s character and work. • Matthew 5 opens Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, where He clarifies His relationship to the Law and the Prophets. • When placed side by side, Isaiah 42:21 and Matthew 5:17 display a seamless harmony: the Servant will “magnify” the law, and Jesus announces He has come to “fulfill” it. The Servant’s Mission in Isaiah 42:21 “The LORD was pleased, for the sake of His righteousness, to magnify His law and make it glorious.” • God’s delight: The verse highlights divine pleasure—“The LORD was pleased.” • Purpose clause: “for the sake of His righteousness”—God’s moral perfection motivates this plan. • Action verbs: “magnify” (make great) and “make it glorious” (beautify, display splendor). • Implication: The coming Servant will elevate God’s law in public view, revealing its fullest radiance rather than setting it aside. Jesus Declares His Mission in 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.” • Negative clarification: “Abolish” is ruled out; Jesus is not a rebel against Torah. • Positive affirmation: “Fulfill” carries the sense of bringing to completion, filling up, embodying. • Immediate context: Matthew 5:18-20 underscores enduring authority—“until heaven and earth pass away.” Key Connections Between the Texts • Same divine intent – Isaiah: God is “pleased” to magnify the law. – Matthew: The Son treasures the Father’s law enough to fulfill every stroke (v. 18). • The Servant = Jesus – Isaiah’s Servant (42:1-7) bears the Spirit (v. 1); at Jesus’ baptism the Spirit descends (Matthew 3:16). – The Servant brings justice to nations (Isaiah 42:1, 4); Jesus proclaims, “all authority has been given to Me” (Matthew 28:18). • Magnify vs. Fulfill – “Magnify” focuses on showcasing the law’s beauty. – “Fulfill” focuses on completing its purpose. – Together they describe one work: Jesus reveals the law’s true glory by living it perfectly and completing its redemptive aim. What “Fulfilling” the Law Looks Like 1. Perfect obedience (John 8:29; 1 Peter 2:22). 2. Revealing its deeper intent (Matthew 5:21-48: anger = murder of the heart; lust = adultery of the heart). 3. Bearing its curse for law-breakers (Galatians 3:13). 4. Establishing a new covenant where the law is written on hearts (Jeremiah 31:33; Hebrews 8:10). 5. Becoming the goal and consummation of the law for righteousness (Romans 10:4). Implications for Us Today • Christ’s fulfillment affirms the law’s goodness; it was never a mistake. • Righteousness still matters—yet is now found in union with the One who fulfilled every jot and tittle (2 Corinthians 5:21). • The moral vision of the law continues, now empowered by the Spirit (Romans 8:3-4). • Our calling: reflect the Servant’s heart, letting His law written on our hearts shine “glorious” before a watching world (Matthew 5:16). |
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