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.”
An Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, Jesus clarifies His mission concerning the Jewish Scriptures, specifically the Law and the Prophets. These terms represent the entirety of the Old Testament, including God’s commandments and the writings of the prophets. Jesus states that His purpose is not to discard or nullify these teachings but to complete their meaning and purpose. He fulfills them by perfectly obeying God’s commands, embodying the principles they teach, and fulfilling the prophecies they contain. This verse establishes that Jesus’ life and message are deeply connected to God’s revelation in the Old Testament.
Historical Context
For the Jewish people, the Law and the Prophets were the foundation of their faith and identity. The Law included moral, ceremonial, and civil guidelines given by God, while the Prophets reminded the people of God’s promises and called them back to obedience. Many religious leaders in Jesus’ time misunderstood or misapplied these teachings, often adding legalistic burdens. Jesus’ statement would have been both reassuring and revolutionary—reassuring in affirming the authority of Scripture and revolutionary in asserting that He was the one fulfilling it.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights Jesus’ unique role in God’s redemptive plan. He fulfills the Law by living a sinless life, upholding its moral standards perfectly. He fulfills the Prophets by being the Messiah, the one foretold to bring salvation and establish God’s kingdom. This verse also underscores the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, showing that Jesus’ teachings and work are not a departure from God’s previous revelation but its culmination.
Literary Analysis
The structure of this verse includes a negative statement followed by a positive one, emphasizing what Jesus did not come to do (abolish) and what He did come to do (fulfill). The word “fulfill” (Greek: plēroō) conveys the idea of bringing something to its full purpose or completion. This careful phrasing reveals the depth of Jesus’ mission and His respect for the Scriptures.
Biblical Cross-References
- Isaiah 53: Prophecies about the suffering servant fulfilled by Jesus.
- Jeremiah 31:31-33: The promise of a new covenant, fulfilled in Jesus.
- Romans 10:4: Christ is the culmination of the Law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.
- Hebrews 10:1: The Law is a shadow of the good things to come, pointing to Christ.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse reminds them that the Old Testament is still relevant and foundational to understanding Jesus. It encourages believers to study and appreciate how the Law and the Prophets point to Christ. It also challenges them to follow Jesus’ example of obedience to God’s will, not out of legalism but as an expression of love and faith.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in His consistent plan for redemption throughout history. The Law and the Prophets reveal His character, standards, and promises, while Jesus’ fulfillment of them demonstrates His commitment to bringing salvation to humanity. This verse shows that God’s love is both faithful to His Word and focused on completing His purpose for the world.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the central figure who brings together all the threads of the Old Testament. He fulfills the sacrificial system by being the ultimate sacrifice (Hebrews 10:12). He fulfills prophecies about the Messiah through His life, death, and resurrection. By living in perfect obedience to the Law, Jesus accomplishes what no one else could, offering His righteousness to those who trust in Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does understanding that Jesus came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets deepen your appreciation of the Old Testament?
- In what ways can you follow Jesus’ example of obedience to God’s will?
- How does this verse encourage you to see the continuity between the Old and New Testaments?
- What does it mean to you that Jesus perfectly fulfilled God’s Law on your behalf?
- How can studying the Old Testament help you understand Jesus more fully?
This verse calls Christians to see the Bible as a unified story that finds its ultimate meaning in Jesus. It’s an invitation to trust in Him as the fulfillment of God’s promises and to live in light of His completed work.