Introduction

The question of how Jesus responds to the Mosaic Law is one that has been debated for centuries. It is a question that many people have asked, but few have been able to answer. In this article we will look at Matthew 5:18-19 and see how Jesus shows us how he understands his relationship with God’s law through his actions as well as what he says about it.

Evidently Jesus was aware of, and assumed, the accusation that he had come to destroy the Law. To this he responded by saying not one jot (Yod) or tittle ( a small ornamentation on a letter) would go unfulfilled until all had been accomplished (Mt. 5:18). In other words, he did not intend to do away with the old but rather to fulfill it.

Jesus was aware of the accusation that he had come to destroy the Law. To this he responded by saying not one jot (Yod) or tittle (a small ornamentation on a letter) would go unfulfilled until all had been accomplished (Mt. 5:18). In other words, he did not intend to do away with the old but rather to fulfill it.

It is clear from what Jesus said and did that he knew full well who God was and what his plans were for Israel before they fell into sin as a nation—and his concern was not just for them but also for all mankind who lived at any time prior to Christ’s coming into this world as their Redeemer and Savior!

Some might object Jesus’ position that he did not come to destroy but to fulfill and claim that this is simply a way of explaining why he was able to ignore the Sabbath and other prescriptions as needed. Yet, Jesus’ non-casuistic approach also signals an ethical aspect of his hermeneutics that is radically different from what anyone else was doing at that time. Even when it comes to “the greatest commandment” Jesus does not provide a recipe or strategy for obedience, but instead gets at the heart of love itself (Mt. 22:36-40, Mc. 12:28-34; Lk. 10:25-28).

Some might object Jesus’ position that he did not come to destroy but to fulfill and claim that this is simply a way of explaining why he was able to ignore the Sabbath and other prescriptions as needed. Yet, Jesus’ non-casuistic approach also signals an ethical aspect of his hermeneutics that is radically different from what anyone else was doing at that time. Even when it comes to “the greatest commandment” Jesus does not provide a recipe or strategy for obedience, but instead gets at the heart of love itself (Mt. 22:36-40; Mc 12:28-34; Lk 10:25-28). It is important to note that Matthew’s Gospel draws attention throughout its narrative structure towards how Jesus fulfills Torah while also discrediting it on more than one occasion (e g Mt 5:17; 7:12ff)

Conclusion

Jesus, who came not to abolish but to fulfill and complete the law, had no intention of doing away with it. He came not only not to destroy but also was willing to subvert some of its most basic prescriptions—such as Sabbath observance—in order that those who followed him might experience greater freedom from the weight of oppressive structures of authority (cf. Mk. 2:27-28). The apostle Paul further illustrates this point by showing us how even his ministry was guided by the Spirit in ways that would not fulfill every aspect of Mosaic Law (2 Cor. 3:6-7). Instead, these people were freed up from “mentality” that filled their lives with rules and regulations (Philipians 2:13) so they could live according more fully God’s way rather than man’s way!

USEFUL NOTES FOR:

What is Jesus’ attitude towards the Mosaic Law as presented by Matthew (Mt. 5)? Why is this significant?

Introduction

Matthew 5:17-20 is one of the most famous verses in all of Scripture. Jesus’ words here are simple, but they have great impact on our lives and show us how we should live as Christians. This post will explore what these verses mean and why they’re important for us today.

Matthew 5:17

In Matthew 5:17, Jesus said that the Mosaic law was not abolished by him. Instead, he came to fulfill it.

In this verse we see two things: first of all, there’s an assumption that God had given his people a law and that they were doing things according to that law. Second of all, we see Jesus saying they should not think he’s come just to destroy or abolish their laws or prophets (or anyone else’s). Instead, their job is simply to follow what God has already told them in His word!

Matthew 5:18

You may be surprised to learn that this verse is the first in Matthew 5, which makes it the longest chapter in the New Testament. It also marks a significant change in tone from previous verses. In this passage, Jesus is teaching his disciples what they must do if they want to follow him: they need to turn away from their former lives and begin anew by loving others as Jesus does (v. 19). This contrasting commandment between love for God and love for others is one of many central themes throughout Matthew’s Gospel; however, according to many scholars there are several other key elements at play here as well—including language used by Jesus himself which suggests he believed certain aspects of Mosaic Law were still applicable today (see vv 19-20).

Matthew 5:19

Matthew 5:19 is a key passage in this section. It shows that Jesus was not teaching the same message as Moses did. In fact, he was teaching a new message entirely.

This new message was relevant to the people at that time and would lead them to God.

Matthew 7:12

Jesus is the light of the world.

Jesus’ teachings are not meant to be taken literally, but they can be applied in their broadest sense. He did not come to give us a list of rules and regulations that we must follow if we want to go to heaven. Rather, his purpose was to teach us how we should live our lives—as Christians and as humans on earth!

The law does not tell you how many times a person has sinned or what kind of punishment he deserves for those sins; it only tells you what actions are wrong (and thus punishable) by God himself through his word (the Ten Commandments).

Jesus was being misunderstood as a lawless man who was not teaching the same message that Moses taught.

It is important to understand that Jesus was not being misunderstood as a lawless man who was not teaching the same message that Moses taught. Rather, he was simply saying that if you want to enter into heaven, you must obey God’s commandments. He also said this: “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).

To summarize: Jesus did not abolish or remove all laws from the Torah; rather he taught us how they should be interpreted in light of his own redemptive sacrifice on Calvary’s cross (Romans 3:20).

Conclusion

So, what does this mean for us? We should be careful not to read into Jesus’ words and actions: He was a good man who loved everyone. Unfortunately, his followers would try to use his teachings as an excuse for their own behavior. All we can do is learn from him and strive always towards righteousness in our own lives (2 Timothy 3:16).