Fufilling the Law

Salem Bible Study
Teachings on Community
Matthew 5:17-20 (The Message)

The Fulfillment of the Law

 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. ¹⁸I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. ¹⁹Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. ²⁰For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

For Reflection: Jewish leaders were threatened by Jesus teaching.  Here, Christ tries to help them understand the relationship between traditional faith and the new truth.  How do you think the Christ event changed the interpretion of the law?  What does it mean that "your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees...?"  What happens when the law and love collide?

Pray for wisdom in acting out the laws of Moses.  Pray for forgiveness when the dilemma between the law and The Way forces you to make a decision of which you are not sure.  Praise God and give thanks for His grace.