I Have Come to Fulfill

Matthew 5: 17–19

Jesus said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

Our Gospel text today is only three verses long; however, it is a very powerful passage. This section of Matthew’s gospel is part of the Sermon on the Mount containing lessons and truths that Jesus taught about how we should live in building the Kingdom of God. Jesus had gone up the mountain, sat down, and began to teach, calling to mind Moses, who went up Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments from God. Jesus begins by telling his disciples that his purpose is not to abolish the law or to criticize what the prophets proclaimed and taught. Rather, he has come to fulfill or complete them. Jesus also emphasizes that keeping the commandments is essential for faithful living, reflecting his great respect for the Jewish tradition.

In the eyes of the Pharisees, however, Jesus frequently disobeyed Jewish law. They often criticized him for not following the law, at least as they believed it should be obeyed. In response to these complaints and accusations, Jesus would point to the law and the prophets to defend his behavior. Even when the religious authorities tried to trap Jesus for disobeying Roman civil law, he answered with truth and wisdom, “Give to Caesar that which belongs to Caesar and give to God what belongs to God.” He challenged the leaders to see how the teachings were meant to give life. The only threat Jesus posed was against the corruption and injustices committed by those in power who had hardened their hearts.

The core message of Jesus was to proclaim what all the law and prophets demand of us; to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind and to love our neighbors as ourselves. For Jesus, the law of love was primary, and he responded to people and situations with love and compassion. Love is the law and the gift that we are called to live and to share. May this Lenten season be a time for us to live into the law to love as Jesus did. There is no better time to start than today.

Faithfully,
Rose+

prayer

Give ear to our prayers, O Lord, and direct the way of your servants in safety under your protection, that, amid all the changes of our earthly pilgrimage, we may be guarded by your mighty aid; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.