Matthew 5:17
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.
The Significance of Matthew 5:17
In Matthew 5:17, Jesus makes a powerful statement about the purpose of his coming. He clarifies that his mission is not to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them. This statement is crucial in understanding the relationship between the Old Testament and the New Testament, as well as the significance of Jesus’ role in fulfilling God’s plan for salvation.
The Law and the Prophets refer to the sacred scriptures of the Jewish tradition, which include the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament) and the writings of the prophets. These scriptures contain the moral, ethical, and religious teachings that guided the Jewish people in their relationship with God and one another.
By stating that he has not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets, Jesus affirms the importance and validity of the Old Testament teachings. He acknowledges the authority of the Law and the Prophets as God’s word and emphasizes the continuity between the Old Testament and his ministry.
However, Jesus goes a step further by declaring that he has come to fulfill the Law and the Prophets. This fulfillment is not merely a completion of the prophecies or a confirmation of the teachings but a transformation of the entire religious paradigm. Jesus embodies the essence of the Law and the Prophets in his person and his teachings, bringing them to their ultimate purpose and fulfillment.
In fulfilling the Law and the Prophets, Jesus reveals the true meaning and intent behind the commandments and prophecies. He interprets the scriptures in light of his own mission and identity as the Son of God, showing how they point to him as the fulfillment of God’s plan for salvation.
Moreover, Jesus’ fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets establishes a new covenant between God and humanity. Through his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus inaugurates a new era of grace and redemption, in which the old ways of relating to God are transformed by the power of his love and mercy.
In conclusion, Matthew 5:17 highlights the continuity and fulfillment of God’s plan for salvation through Jesus Christ. It underscores the importance of the Old Testament teachings and their relevance to the Christian faith, while also pointing to the transformative power of Jesus’ ministry in bringing about a new covenant between God and humanity. As believers, we are called to embrace the fullness of God’s revelation in Jesus Christ and to live out the implications of his fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets in our lives.