Scripture: Matthew 5: 17-20
“Do not think that I came to do away with or undo the [f]Law [of Moses] or the [writings of the] Prophets; I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For I assure you and most solemnly say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke [of the pen] will pass from the Law until all things [which it foreshadows] are accomplished. 19 So whoever breaks one of the least [important] of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least [important] in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever practices and teaches them, he will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
20 “For I say to you that unless your righteousness (uprightness, moral essence) is more than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Commentary Note:
If Jesus did not come to undue the law, does that mean all of the Old Testament laws still apply to us today?
There are three categories of law in the Old Testament:
- Ceremonial
- Civil
- Moral
Ceremonial law relates specifically to Israel’s worship. In Leviticus chapters 1 through 3, we see that the primary purpose is to point forward to Jesus Christ. These laws, therefore, were no longer necessary after Jesus’s death and resurrection.
While we are no longer bound by ceremonial laws, the principles behind them – to worship and love God – still apply.
The civil law applies to daily living in Israel (see Deuteronomy 24: 10-11). As modern society and culture are so radically different from that time and setting, all of these guidelines cannot be followed specifically. However, the principles behind the commands are timeless and should guide our conduct.
The moral law is a direct command of God. It requires strict obedience (see Exodus 20: 13). The moral law reveals the nature and will of God, and it still applies today.
Read the Entire Chapters of the Scriptures Referenced:
Read Other Commentary from the Book of Matthew:
God’s People Are the Salt of the Earth
Note: For the remainder of the summer, we will post once a week on Monday. Please join us next week as we explore more verses from Matthew Chapter 5.