How does Matthew 11:13 connect the Law and Prophets to Jesus' ministry? Verse in Focus “For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John.” (Matthew 11:13) Law and Prophets: One Unified Testimony • “The Prophets and the Law” refers to the entire Hebrew Bible—Genesis through Malachi. • Scripture views these writings not merely as history or moral code, but as forward-looking revelation: – Acts 3:24: “Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have proclaimed these days.” – Romans 3:21: “But now, apart from the Law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets.” • Every sacrifice, feast, prophecy, and promise pointed ahead to a Person—Jesus. John the Baptist: Last Old-Covenant Voice • John closes one era and introduces the next. • Luke 16:16 echoes Matthew 11:13: “The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the gospel of the kingdom of God is being preached…” • John identifies Jesus as “the Lamb of God” (John 1:29), handing off the prophetic baton. • After John, revelation is no longer preparatory; it is present—centered on Jesus Himself. Jesus: Fulfillment and Turning Point • 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.” • Fulfill (Greek plēroō) means to complete, fill up, bring to full meaning. – He embodies every messianic promise (Isaiah 53; Micah 5:2). – He satisfies every sacrificial type (Hebrews 10:1–10). – He inaugurates the promised New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31–34; Luke 22:20). • Thus, Matthew 11:13 links Jesus’ public ministry to the culmination of all previous revelation—turning anticipation into realization. Ongoing Authority of Scripture • Because Jesus fulfills, not abolishes, the Law and Prophets, those texts remain authoritative, now read through the lens of Christ. • Galatians 3:24: “So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” • The prophetic writings still instruct, convict, and encourage as they showcase God’s faithfulness from promise to fulfillment. Practical Takeaways for Today • Read the Old Testament expecting to see Christ; its narratives, symbols, and prophecies reach their full clarity in Him. • Recognize that God’s plan is seamless—centuries of revelation converge in the person of Jesus. • Let fulfilled prophecy deepen confidence in Scripture’s trustworthiness and in God’s commitment to complete every promise He has made. |
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