BULLETIN ARTICLE
23 February 2020
Fulfilling The Law
Jesus said he was not here to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfil them (Matthew 5:17). He fulfilled the Law in three ways. First, he fulfilled them by clarifying their meaning so that people know how God truly wants them to live. Second, he fulfilled them by displaying complete obedience to them (Hebrew 4:15). Third, he fulfilled the Law by accomplishing the purpose they were written for – to point to our sinfulness, to the perfect Jesus (Romans 3:20-21) and his finished work on the cross (John 19:30).
The religious leaders were seen as people closest to God but Jesus radically declares that only a person with a righteousness that surpasses theirs could enter the kingdom of God. He was essentially saying: No one can enter heaven based on their righteousness. He illustrates his point and displays God’s perfect standard through explaining six commandments, of which we all fall short.
v21-26 Murder is not just about the taking of a life (Exodus 20:13) but entails the murderous and slanderous thoughts borne out of anger (v22). Those who are guilty of this should urgently seek reconciliation before judgment arrives (v23-24).
v27-30 Adultery (Exodus 20:14) in the Old Testament was understood as sexual relations between a married (or betrothed) woman and a man other than her husband. It was a sin against the husband. But Jesus extended the definition of adultery to include sexual relations between a married man and a woman other than his wife, even if these were to occur just within the mind as lustful thoughts (v28). Those who are guilty should take drastic steps to get rid of actions that promote these thoughts.
v31-32 In those days, many Jews had misinterpreted the law and viewed divorce as permissible (even for trivial reasons such as poor cooking) so long as the man gives the woman a certificate of divorce (Deuteronomy 24:1). By writing the certificate, the man would have fulfilled the legal requirements of the law and appear righteous. Jesus however clarifies that divorce should not be allowed except in the case of sexual immorality. Even then, the couple has the option to choose reconciliation over divorce. Legal cover should not be used to mask moral failure.
v33-37 “Do not break your oath” referred to the advice of religious leaders to keep vows only if it was made to God. But Jesus clarifies that one should always be consistent in words and conduct (v37), and not swear by anything as though it belongs to that person when all things belong to God.
v38-42 “Eye for eye” (Deuteronomy 19:21) was in the context of judicial punishment but it was peddled by the religious leaders as validity in seeking personal revenge. Jesus does not nullify the law but separates judicial responsibility and our personal responsibility in relating with others. We should love our enemies and respond in generosity even when the demands on us are unjust.
v43-47 “Love your neighbour and hate your enemy” was likely twisted by the religious leaders as it cannot be found in the Old Testament. Jesus corrects this by saying instead of hating your enemies, you should love them just as you love those who love you.
Jesus ends with the call to live righteously before our perfect and righteous God, as is fitting for people who are righteous because of Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21). Let us examine ourselves.
