Matthew 5:17-21
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.
21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’
Matthew 5:17-21: 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’ purpose was not to do away with the teachings of the Old Testament, but to bring them to completion.
Verse 18: Jesus emphasizes the enduring 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 for salvation.
Verse 19: Jesus warns against disregarding even the least of God’s commands and teaches that those who practice and teach the commands will be honored in the kingdom of heaven. This emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s Word.
Verse 20: Jesus challenges His listeners to surpass the righteousness of the Pharisees and teachers of the law. This shows that true righteousness is not merely following rules outwardly, but having a heart that is truly devoted to God.
Verse 21: Jesus references the commandment against murder, showing that obedience to God’s commands goes beyond just outward actions. He will go on to explain the deeper meaning behind the commandments in the following verses.