The Life of Christ – Lesson 7 May 23, 2018 Matthew Chapters 5-7 Luke 6:20-49 The Life of Christ – Lesson 7 The Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 5:17-20 Jesus and the Law

The Kingdom and Law – Matthew 5:17-20 Purpose of this portion of the Sermon on the Mount: Reveal the Lord’s relationship to the Law and the Prophets. To teach us about respect and reverence for Divine law and its’ impact on our ability to be citizens in His kingdom. To fail to honor the Law during the days of Christ was to disrespect God and His authority.

The Kingdom and Law – Matthew 5:17-20 Two parts: The Law – W. E. Vine’s definition includes two key words – that which is “decreed” and “standard” of justice. Some advocate that this term only refers to the “ceremonial” aspects of the Law. God made no such distinction! The prophets – all the writings of God’s prophets. Together they constitute the Old Testament: Matthew 11:13; 22:40; Luke 16:16, 29;Acts 22:14

The Kingdom and Law – Matthew 5:17-20 Jesus’ relationship to the Old Testament Not this … but this … Not to “destroy” … But to “fulfill”…

Jesus did not come to “destroy” the Law – Matthew 5:17-20 “Destroy” – defined as: “Overthrow completely” (Vine). “Demolish … overthrow … render vain, deprive of success, bring to nothing” (Thayer) Acts 5:39 “Disintegrate” (Strong) Did Jesus “destroy” (“overthrow” or “bring to nothing”) the Law and the Prophets? Did He render the purpose of the Law and Prophets as “vain” or “worthless”?

What was/is the purpose of the Law and the Prophets? Evidence for our faith. John 5:39; Luke 24:25-27 God’ fulfillment of divine promises. Romans 15:4 Examples for us to learn from. 1 Corinthians 10:11 To learn who God is and principles of How to please Him. Jeremiah 9:23-24; Exodus 33:13; The Book of Job.

Jesus did not come to “destroy” the Law and the Prophets In contrast to “fulfill” and not “perpetuate.” He made no promise of the continuance of the Law and the Prophets. Romans 7:1-6; 9:30-10:4; 2 Corinthians 3:6-16; Galatians 3:10-26; 5:1-4; Ephesians 2:11-16; Colossians 2:13-17; Hebrews 7:11-19; Hebrews 8:1-13; 9:11-28; 10:1-18

Jesus did come to “fulfill” the Law and the Prophets. “Fulfill” – Defined: “… to make replete … satisfy … finish …” (Strong) “… to complete … to make complete in every particular … to carry through to the end, to accomplish …” (Thayer) Matthew 3:15; Luke 4:18-21; 24:44

Jesus did come to “fulfill” the Law and the Prophets. How did Jesus fulfill the Law and the Prophets? By keeping it perfectly and setting an example for us. Matthew 3:15; Galatians 4:4; Hebrews 4:14-15; 7:26; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:22 Thus making Himself the perfect sacrifice for sin. Hebrews 9:13-14; 1 Peter 1:18-19 Fulfilling all prophecies. Luke 24:44-47; Matthew 26:56; John 5:39; Acts 3:18-24; Acts 13:29; Galatians 3:24-25; Romans 10:4

“Not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished” - Matthew 5:18 Even the “smallest letter” (“jot”, ASV, KJV) or “stroke” (“title”, ASV, KJV) was respected by Jesus.

“Not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished” - Matthew 5:18 Jesus renounced the notion that it’s the “spirit of the law” and not the letter of it. There are no unimportant portions or aspects of God’s revelation to man in the eyes of Jesus. Who are we to decide what’s important? Jesus understood to break a “minor” point of the law is to make one a lawbreaker. James 2:10; Galatians 3:10; 5:3 End 5/23/2018