Connect Matthew 5:17 with Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. The Promise of Fulfillment: 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.” What “Fulfill” Means • To bring to completion—every command, promise, symbol, type, and prophecy finds its completed meaning in Jesus. • To fill up—to give the full, intended meaning of all that God previously revealed. • To confirm—showing the Law and Prophets are trustworthy, accurate, and permanent. Early Hints in the Law • Genesis 3:15 — “The seed of the woman” will crush the serpent’s head. Jesus defeats Satan at the cross (Hebrews 2:14). • Genesis 22:18 — “In your seed all the nations… will be blessed.” Paul identifies that Seed as Christ (Galatians 3:16). • Deuteronomy 18:15 — “A Prophet like me from among your brothers.” The crowds acknowledge Jesus as that Prophet (John 6:14). • Passover Lamb (Exodus 12) — Jesus is called “the Lamb of God” (John 1:29), fulfilling the type. • Bronze Serpent (Numbers 21:8-9) — Jesus alludes to this as a picture of His cross (John 3:14-15). Promises to David’s Line • 2 Samuel 7:12-13 — An eternal throne for David’s descendant. Gabriel applies this to Jesus (Luke 1:32-33). • Psalm 2:7-9 — “Today I have become Your Father.” The Father echoes this at Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3:17). • Psalm 110:1 — “The LORD said to my Lord…” Jesus cites this to show Messiah’s supremacy (Matthew 22:44). Prophecies of the Messiah’s Birth and Early Life • Isaiah 7:14 — “Behold, the virgin will conceive.” Fulfilled in Jesus’ incarnation (Matthew 1:23). • Micah 5:2 — Bethlehem as birthplace. Recorded in Matthew 2:1, 5-6. • Hosea 11:1 — “Out of Egypt I called My Son.” Applied to Jesus’ flight and return (Matthew 2:15). Descriptions of His Character and Ministry • Isaiah 9:6-7 — “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Jesus embodies these titles (Colossians 2:9; John 14:27). • Isaiah 11:1-5 — Spirit-anointed ruler bringing righteousness; fulfilled at His baptism (Luke 4:18-21). • Isaiah 35:5-6 — Blind see, deaf hear, lame walk. Jesus’ miracles match point-for-point (Matthew 11:4-5). • Zechariah 9:9 — King enters Jerusalem on a donkey. Celebrated on Palm Sunday (Matthew 21:4-5). Foretold Suffering and Victory • Psalm 22 — Detailed description of crucifixion: pierced hands and feet, divided garments, mocking words. All echoed at Calvary (John 19:23-24, 28-37). • Isaiah 53 — Despised Servant, bearing sins, “by His stripes we are healed.” New Testament writers repeatedly quote this of Jesus (1 Peter 2:24-25; Acts 8:32-35). • Daniel 9:26 — “An anointed one will be cut off.” Pinpoints both His messianic identity and sacrificial death. • Zechariah 12:10 — “They will look on Me whom they have pierced.” John applies this to the cross (John 19:37). Assurance of a New Covenant • Jeremiah 31:31-34 — Promise of a covenant written on hearts, complete forgiveness. Jesus institutes it at the Last Supper: “This cup is the new covenant in My blood” (Luke 22:20). Future Kingdom Expectations • Isaiah 11:6-9; 65:17-25 — Messiah’s reign brings peace and restoration. Revelation 21 echoes these visions, confirming they await final fulfillment in Christ. Why Matthew 5:17 Matters to Us Today • Confidence: Every word God spoke stands secure; Jesus validates it. • Clarity: The Old Testament isn’t obsolete—its true meaning shines brighter in Christ. • Commitment: Because Jesus fulfills the Law, He empowers His followers to live it out in spirit and truth (Romans 8:3-4). • Hope: Prophecies already kept assure us the remaining promises will also come to pass, exactly as written. |
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