The Law in a New LightSample

Jesus and the Law

People may have thought Jesus was setting the Law of Moses aside because he seemed to supersede the Law, interpret it differently, and ignore it (at times). Add to this the means of fulfillment of the Prophets. It seemed unusual as he didn’t have the political and nationalistic overtones the Prophets appeared to speak with. Jesus viewed the Law/Prophets in a way taken up by the apostle Paul - “all the promises of God are yes and amen” in Jesus. This means the law, the land, the nation, the world, the temple, the rituals, forgiveness - everything. The Law is not written off, but it is fulfilled in Jesus where it finds its true end purpose and expression.

This was a scandal to the Pharisees, lawyers, and scribes.

He then goes on to explain how this works, and how the disciple’s righteousness should/could exceed that of the Pharisees. And to reiterate this about the law not being abolished, Jesus says anyone who relaxes the least of the commandments will be least in the kingdom of heaven – which doesn’t sound good. But equally, one who teaches and lives the least of the commandments will be considered great in God’s kingdom. Jesus is referring to the 10 commandments.

In the following verses, reference is made to the 10 commandments, and various other related laws – anger (murder), lust (covetousness, Sabbath), divorce (neighbours’ wife/husband), oaths (blaspheme, etc), retaliation, love for enemies (second commandment).

Fulfilling the law is not writing the law off – in fact, it takes it to a new level of demand. There is a teleological aspect to the Law that both Jesus and Paul bring to light. To this day, this isn’t recognised by the Orthodox Jewish community. Moses reigns until Messiah comes, but Messiah has come so Moses doesn’t reign anymore.