Following the Beatitudes and His call to be salt and light, Jesus anticipates confusion. After all, He’s not teaching like the scribes. His tone is bold, His words are disruptive. So He addresses the elephant in the room:
“Is Jesus against the Law?”
The answer? Absolutely not. In fact, Jesus takes the Law deeper than ever before.
Who Is Jesus Speaking To?
Still addressing the disciples and seekers on the hillside, Jesus now turns to the topic of Scripture, law, and righteousness. These were foundational concepts to His Jewish listeners. What He says next challenges even the most devout.
What Jesus Said: Matthew 5:17–20 (NASB)
17 “Do not presume that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill. 18 For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke of a letter shall pass from the Law, until all is accomplished! 19 Therefore, whoever nullifies one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say to you that unless your righteousness far surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
What Does “Fulfill” Mean?
When Jesus says, “I came to fulfill the Law,” He means:
- He’s the perfect embodiment of every commandment and prophecy.
- He completes what the Law pointed to but could never fully accomplish.
- He reveals the spirit behind the letter, calling people to transformation, not just compliance.
Action Step: Instead of asking, “How far can I go without sinning?” ask, “How closely can I follow Jesus in holiness and love?”
Not One Stroke Will Pass Away
Jesus underscores the eternal value of God’s Word. Not a single “jot” or “tittle” (the most minor Hebrew marks) will disappear until all is fulfilled.
This should fuel our reverence for Scripture—not just the parts we like or understand—but all of it.
Action Step: Choose one Old Testament passage this week. Ask God to reveal how Jesus fulfills it.
A Warning to Teachers and Followers
“Whoever nullifies… shall be called least…
but whoever keeps and teaches… shall be called great…”
In 2025, it’s tempting to water down truth for relevance or approval. But Jesus warns against compromise. Teaching the truth—all of it—with humility and love matters.
Action Step: Share one biblical truth this week, even if it’s uncomfortable. Speak it in love and stand firm.
Surpassing the Righteousness of the Pharisees?
This would’ve shocked Jesus’ audience. The Pharisees were seen as the religious elite. But Jesus reveals a staggering truth:
“Unless your righteousness exceeds theirs, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
What does that mean for us?
The Pharisees obeyed externally but were often inwardly corrupt.
Jesus is saying: Real righteousness starts in the heart. It flows from a relationship, not just rule-following.
Action Step: Ask God to search your heart today. Confess any area where your faith has become performance rather than relationship.
What This Means for Us in 2025
In today’s world:
- People often claim Jesus abolished the Law.
- Grace is misunderstood as permission to live lawlessly.
- Righteousness is often reduced to a matter of behavior modification.
But Jesus fulfills the Law so that we can live in Spirit-empowered obedience.
Not to earn salvation, but to reflect the One who saved us.
Practical Applications:
- Study both the Old and New Testaments together.
- Recognize that Jesus didn’t lower the standard—He raised it and met it for us.
- Live in gratitude-driven obedience, not guilt-based legalism.
Final Prayer
Jesus, thank You for fulfilling the Law I could never fully keep. Thank You for revealing the heart behind every commandment. Help me live with holy reverence, not religious performance. Shape my heart so that my life reflects Your righteousness in every area. I surrender again—deeper this time. In Your Name, Amen.
