Matthew 5:17-20
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.
18 For truly I tell you, 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.
19 Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly 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.
20 For 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.
Matthew 5:17-20: Verse-by-Verse Analysis
Verse 17: Jesus clarifies that He did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfill them. This shows that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies and laws.
Verse 18: Jesus emphasizes the eternal nature of the Law, stating that not even the smallest part of it will disappear until everything is accomplished. This highlights the importance of the Law in God’s plan.
Verse 19: Jesus warns against disregarding even the least of the commandments and teaching others to do the same. He emphasizes the importance of both practicing and teaching God’s commands to be considered great in the kingdom of heaven.
Verse 20: Jesus sets a high standard for righteousness, stating that it must surpass that of the Pharisees and teachers of the law. This challenges His followers to strive for a deeper, more genuine righteousness that comes from the heart.