Matthew 5:17-22
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.’
22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
Matthew 5:17-22: 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 the continuity between the Old Testament and the New Testament, with Jesus being the fulfillment of the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament.
Verse 18: Jesus emphasizes the eternal nature of God’s Word, stating that not even the smallest part of the Law will disappear until everything is accomplished. This highlights the importance of God’s commands and the faithfulness of His promises.
Verse 19: Jesus warns against disregarding even the least of God’s commands and teaches that those who practice and teach His commands will be esteemed 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 the teachers of the law. This shows that true righteousness is not merely external observance but comes from a heart transformed by God.
Verse 21: Jesus contrasts the commandment against murder with the deeper spiritual reality that harboring anger towards others is also sinful. He warns that judgment awaits those who speak harshly or insult others, highlighting the importance of love and reconciliation.
Verse 22: Jesus further emphasizes the seriousness of our words and attitudes towards others, warning that calling someone names or insulting them puts one in danger of judgment. This underscores the importance of treating others with respect and love, as we are all made in the image of God.