How does Deuteronomy 33:4 connect with Jesus' fulfillment of the law? Deuteronomy 33:4 in Its Setting “Moses commanded us a law, an inheritance for the assembly of Jacob.” - Spoken by Moses during his final blessing over Israel (Deuteronomy 33:1). - Highlights the Torah as a God-given possession—unchanging, priceless, meant to shape the nation’s identity. - Describes the law as an “inheritance,” showing it is not a temporary guideline but a lasting covenantal gift. Why the Law Is Called an “Inheritance” - Permanent: Like land allotted to tribes, the law is a fixed endowment from God. - Identity-forming: It set Israel apart among the nations (Exodus 19:5-6). - Covenant sign: Obedience brings blessing; disobedience brings discipline (Deuteronomy 28). - Corporate: Given to the “assembly of Jacob,” binding on every generation. Jesus and the Law: The Key Fulfillment Texts - Matthew 5:17: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish but to fulfill.” - John 1:17: “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” - Romans 10:4: “For Christ is the end of the law, to bring righteousness to everyone who believes.” - Galatians 3:19, 24-26: The law was a guardian until Christ came; now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian. How Deuteronomy 33:4 Connects to Christ 1. Same Source, Greater Mediator • Moses delivered the inheritance; Jesus embodies it (Hebrews 3:1-6). • Both are covenant mediators, but Christ’s covenant is “better” (Hebrews 8:6). 2. Fulfillment, Not Cancellation • The permanence implied by “inheritance” is honored in Jesus: He satisfies its righteous demands rather than discarding them. • His sinless life meets every legal requirement (2 Corinthians 5:21). 3. Transfer of Inheritance • Through the cross and resurrection, the blessings promised by the law flow to all who trust Him (Galatians 3:13-14). • Believers become “heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17), receiving the law’s blessings apart from law-keeping. 4. Internalization of the Law • Jeremiah 31:33 foresees God writing the law on hearts. • Jesus sends the Spirit to accomplish this (Romans 8:3-4), transforming obedience from external duty into inward delight. Practical Takeaways - View the Torah as trustworthy, revelatory, and eternally valid—its moral core still instructs (2 Timothy 3:16-17). - Rejoice that Jesus has already kept the law you could not keep; rest in His finished work. - Let the Spirit produce the righteousness the law described (Galatians 5:22-23). - Read the Old Testament expecting to see Christ, the true inheritance-giver, shining through every command and promise. |
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