The Significance of “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.”

The phrase “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” is a powerful christian law used by Jesus in Matthew 5:17 from the Sermon on the Mount. This law holds immense significance not only for Christians but also for anyone interested in understanding the relationship between Jesus and the Jewish legal and prophetic traditions.

Context of the Phrase

The law appears within Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, a collection of teachings focusing on right living and morality for spreading God’s message. The Sermon on the Mount is a collection of Jesus’ teachings on the nature of Christian living. It is considered to be one of the most important teachings in the New Testament. The sermon is divided into three main sections: the Spiritual Beatitudes, the Discipleship Codes, and the Christian Laws.

The Spiritual Beatitudes are a series of blessings that Jesus pronounces on those who are considered to be The seven cases of Poor in spirit that include: 1. Pure in heart, 2. Hunger and thirst after righteousness, 3. Mourn, 4. Merciful, 5. Peacemakers, 6. Persecuted for righteousness’ sake, 7. Meek, and Another case of For my sake. These blessings are not promises of material prosperity or comfort in this life. Instead, they are promises of spiritual blessings and rewards in the next life.

The Discipleship Codes are a series of teachings on the nature of Heaven’s living. Jesus teaches his followers to be salt of the earth, light of the world, and a city on a hill. When we live our lives in a way that is consistent with the teachings of Jesus, we are shining our light for the world to see. And when others see our good works, they will be drawn to God and will glorify him.

The Christian Laws are a series of teachings on the nature of Ground’s living, as well as a series of references to the laws given to Moses by God on Mount Sinai. Jesus is not teaching that his followers should follow the Law of Moses in every detail, but he is teaching that they should uphold the spirit of the law, which is love for God and love for neighbor. He also taught them to love and forgive for their enemies, to love and pray for their persecutors, to love and have compassion for everyone, and especially, not to hate and have hypocrisy for everyone.

At the time of Jesus, the Jewish religious establishment was largely focused on adhering to the Law of Moses in a strict and literal way. This legalistic approach often prioritized external observances over internal righteousness and compassion. Some may have feared that Jesus, with his revolutionary teachings and focus on love and forgiveness, was seeking to abolish the established order and its traditions.

So, the law “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” is found in the Gospel of Matthew 5:17 within the Sermon on the Mount, is a central message of Jesus that outlines the core principles of his teaching. Jesus has been critiquing the interpretations of the Law by the Pharisees and other religious leaders. He emphasizes the importance of going beyond the letter of the law and focusing on the spirit of the law, which is love for God and neighbor.

Significance of the Phrase

The law “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” serves to clarify Jesus’ position of the law and the prophets. It dispels any notion that Jesus came to abolish or disregard these established traditions. Instead, he emphasizes that his purpose is to fulfill them, bringing their meaning to its ultimate completion.

This fulfillment is understood in several ways:

Deepening the meaning: Jesus interprets the law not in a literalistic way but in light of its deeper spiritual intent. He emphasizes the importance of love and forgiveness over strict adherence to ritualistic practices.

Completing the unfinished: Some scholars see Jesus as fulfilling the law by bringing it to its ultimate perfection. By living a sinless life and offering himself as a sacrifice for humanity, Jesus completes what the law could not achieve on its own.

Establishing the covenant: Others interpret Jesus as establishing a new covenant with God that supersedes the old covenant established through Moses. This new covenant is based on faith in Jesus and the Holy Spirit, rather than solely on adherence to the law.

Application of the Phrase

The law “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” offers profound implications for faith and practice. It highlights the importance of going beyond the surface level of religious rules and regulations to understand their core principles and apply them in meaningful ways. It encourages us to move from legalistic obedience to a life guided by love and forgiveness.

Here are some specific applications:

Interpreting the law: Jesus’ teachings provide insights into the true spirit of the law, helping us move beyond a literal interpretation to understand its deeper purpose and implications for everyday life.

Prioritizing the relationship: Jesus emphasizes the importance of loving God and our neighbors above all else, demonstrating that fulfilling the law ultimately means fostering right relationships.

Embracing the grace: While the law provides ethical guidance, it also reveals our shortcomings. Jesus’ message of grace assures us that forgiveness and restoration are available through faith in him.

Forgiving the other: Jesus’ teachings transcend individual legalistic interpretations and call us to live with forgiveness and understanding towards others, reflecting the heart of God.

By embracing Jesus’ law and its implications, we move from a rule-based faith to a life of love and forgiveness that truly fulfills the law and the prophets.

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