How Did Jesus Fulfill the Law of Moses
Today we will talk about how did Jesus fulfill the law of Moses. Many Christians do not understand what this means, and it’s a crucial aspect of faith in Him. The law of Moses, also known as the Torah, consists of the first five books of the Bible and governs the moral and ceremonial life of the Israelites. Understanding how Jesus fulfilled these laws helps us appreciate His role in our redemption and the foundations of our faith. This journey is not just about old scriptures; it’s about realizing how these ancient texts continue to shape our relationship with God. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word and explore the richness of its truths.
The Purpose of the Law
The first thing we need to consider is the purpose of the law. In Hebrew, the word for law is “Torah,” which means “instruction” or “teaching.” The law was given to the Israelites as a guide to live righteously before God (Exodus 20:1-17). It was not merely a set of rules, but a way for God to establish a relationship with His people. As Paul explains in Romans 7:12, the law is holy, the commandments are holy, and just, and good. It shows us His character and His expectations, revealing our need for a Savior.
In the New Testament, Jesus affirms the importance of the law. In Matthew 5:17, He states, “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.” So, the law points us toward Jesus. It shows us our shortcomings and leads us to Christ for redemption. The law is a tutor leading us to the eventual knowledge that we can’t fulfill it completely on our own (Galatians 3:24). Through it, we recognize our flaws, and consequently, our need for Jesus is emphasized.
Jesus’ Fulfillment of the Law
When we say that Jesus fulfilled the law, we mean that He completed its purpose and requirements. As a Jew, Jesus lived under the law and followed it perfectly (1 Peter 2:22). His sinless life demonstrated what it meant to live in accordance with God’s commands. He didn’t just obey the law outwardly; He also embodied its spirit. For instance, when asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus emphasized love for God and love for others (Matthew 22:37-40). He shifts the focus from mere rule-following to a heart relationship with God.
Moreover, Jesus’ sacrificial death serves as the ultimate fulfillment of the law’s sacrificial system. According to Leviticus, animals were sacrificed as a temporary covering for sin. However, in Hebrews 10:4, we learn that “it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” Jesus, as the Lamb of God (John 1:29), became the perfect sacrifice that fully atoned for humanity’s sins once and for all (Hebrews 10:10). In this way, He fulfilled the ceremonial aspects of the law by providing the ultimate sacrifice for sins.
The New Covenant
With Jesus fulfilling the law, He establishes a new covenant between God and humanity (Hebrews 8:6). This new covenant is prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31-34, where God promises to write His laws on our hearts and minds. Jesus’ resurrection changed everything; we are no longer bound by the law in the same way. Instead, we live under grace (Romans 6:14). This doesn’t mean the law is unnecessary; rather, it serves as a guide for living a life aligned with God’s will out of love and gratitude rather than obligation.
In essence, under the New Covenant, the Holy Spirit empowers us to live according to God’s will (Galatians 5:22-23). Jesus invited us into a relationship defined by love and the transformative power of grace, a relationship where obedience arises from heartfelt devotion, not mere duty.
The Role of Grace
Grace is central to understanding how Jesus fulfilled the law. We are saved by grace through faith and not by our works (Ephesians 2:8-9). While the law reveals our transgressions, grace offers forgiveness and renewal. Ephesians 2:15 tells us that Jesus abolished the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that He may create in Himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace.
This grace is not a license to sin; rather, it empowers us to live righteously. The fulfillment of the law in Jesus means that we live from His strength and righteousness, freeing us from the guilt of failure to perfectly uphold the law. This does not diminish the importance of the law; instead, it highlights our dependency on Jesus for everything.
Conclusion of Fulfillment
In summarizing how Jesus fulfilled the law of Moses, we recognize that He both embodied the law in His life and fulfilled its sacrificial components through His death and resurrection. The purpose of the law—establishing a relationship with God and guiding His people—culminated in Jesus, who offers us a new way of living by grace. We are called to follow Him not out of fear of punishment but out of love and gratitude for what He has done. His fulfillment of the law invites us into a transformed life where we can express love for God and one another.
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on how Jesus fulfilled the law of Moses opens our eyes to the beauty of God’s plan for us. Jesus completed what we couldn’t achieve on our own, allowing us to have a personal relationship with Him. Each ceremonial and moral aspect of the law points to the importance of love and grace in our daily lives. Remember, we aren’t bound by the law but called to live in freedom through Jesus. Embracing this truth can help us navigate our lives as we grow in faith together. Take a moment to appreciate the depth of this truth and how it affects our lives today. Jesus is indeed everything He revealed to us.
As we sit in reflection, let’s encourage one another to live lives marked by the love of Christ. In all our actions, let’s seek the Spirit’s guidance, allowing our hearts to be filled with love for God and others. Together, we can fulfill His commandments in a world that desperately needs to see His light shining through us.
May our understanding of Christ’s fulfilling work lead us to a life of love, holiness, and purpose as we walk in His grace and truth.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4