Today we will talk about what did Jesus say about the law. Many Christians do not know what this means. Understanding what Jesus taught regarding the law can greatly enrich our faith and guide our actions. The law, as mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments, was foundational for the Hebrew people. Jesus, in His teachings, clarified and deepened the understanding of the law, showing its true purpose and intent. As we read through God’s word, let’s keep our hearts and minds open to the messages He shares.
What Did Jesus Say About the Law
1. The Fulfillment of the Law
One of the most significant statements Jesus made about the law is that He came to fulfill it, not to abolish it. In Matthew 5:17-18, Jesus says, “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. For truly, I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” This statement affirms the law’s importance while declaring that Jesus is the culmination of its purposes.
The Greek word for “fulfill” used here is “plērōsai,” which means to complete or to bring to its fullness. Jesus wasn’t dismissing the law but was enhancing it, showing its ultimate purpose was to lead people to God. By fulfilling the law, Jesus provided a perfect example of living according to God’s commandments and opening the door for all of humanity to connect with God in a profound way.
Furthermore, in Galatians 3:24, Paul refers to the law as a guardian leading us to Christ. This illustrates that the law’s purpose was to prepare us for the grace found in Jesus. For those who believe, the law serves to guide us in understanding our need for salvation, which is fulfilled in Christ alone.
2. The Greatest Commandments
Jesus emphasized the law’s essence when He summarized it in two simple yet powerful commandments. In Matthew 22:37-40, He said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Here, we find the heart of the law—love. The Hebrew word for love, “ahavah,” implies an unconditional commitment to the well-being of others. Jesus elevated the commandment of love above all other laws, implying that if we truly love God and love others, we naturally fulfill the law. This reflects the nature of God, who is love, as laid out in 1 John 4:8. Love becomes the driving force behind our actions, influencing how we relate to God and to one another.
In expressing this profound truth, Jesus also highlights our relational responsibility to one another. Loving our neighbor is not merely a suggestion but a command that directly connects to our obedience to God’s law. In this way, Jesus invites us into a living faith marked not by mere rule-following, but by genuine relationships and heartfelt love.
3. The Heart of the Law
Jesus often addressed the misinterpretations and rigid applications of the law by the religious leaders of His time. In Matthew 5:21-22, He states, “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.” Here, Jesus expands on the commandments by emphasizing that the heart condition is just as important as the action itself.
The Greek term for “angry” is “orge,” which connotes a strong emotional response. Jesus points out that hate and anger lead to judgment just as murder does, indicating that the law’s intention is to foster love and reconciliation, not just to punish wrongdoing. The issue is not just the action, but the intent and heart behind it. In His teachings, Jesus redefines righteousness as something that springs from a transformed heart, urging us to seek emotional and spiritual purity.
In essence, Jesus calls us to an authenticity in our relationship with God and others. This is echoed in Matthew 23:23 where He rebukes the Pharisees for neglecting the weightier matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness—while focusing on minor details. In doing so, Jesus points to the true essence of the law as being about love, justice, and relationship.
4. Grace and the Law
Another significant aspect of Jesus’ teaching is the concept of grace, which He brought as a fresh perspective on the law. In John 1:17, it is written, “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” This statement reflects the transition from a legalistic approach to God to one based on grace and truth.
Understanding that grace means “unmerited favor,” we begin to see the beautiful relationship between Jesus and the law. In Romans 3:20, Paul articulates that the law highlights our sin, making us aware of our need for grace. Jesus, being the embodiment of grace, exemplified how we are not bound to the law in a punitive sense but invited into a relationship of love and acceptance.
Moreover, in Romans 6:14, it states, “For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.” This revelation brings peace and freedom, emphasizing that while the law shows us how to live righteously, it is through grace that we are empowered to do so. Jesus, therefore, helps us understand that our relationship with the law is not one of fear of punishment but rather one rooted in love, forgiveness, and empowerment to do what is right.
5. The Law as a Teacher
Jesus also emphasizes the law as being an instructor for those seeking to understand righteousness. In Matthew 5:19, He mentions that “whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” This statement underscores the continued relevance of the law as a way to learn and instruct in godliness.
This idea is echoed in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, where the Apostle Paul writes, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.” The Hebrew Bible consisted of the law, wisdom literature, and prophecies—which collectively provided essential instructions for living a life that pleases God.
In this light, the law acts like a compass, steering us toward what is true and appropriate, and helping us identify areas in our lives where we need growth. Jesus encourages us not to discard this teaching but to embrace it, integrating its principles into our daily lives so our actions reflect our obedience and love for God.
6. The Law and the Kingdom of God
Jesus’ teachings aimed to establish a new understanding of God’s kingdom, where the law’s role is significant but redefined through the lens of His love and grace. In Matthew 5:20, He states, “For I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” This challenge was profound, suggesting that mere rule-following wasn’t enough; a deep, genuine righteousness was paramount.
In Luke 17:20-21, Jesus describes the kingdom, saying that it is not something we can observe or point to “Here it is” or “There it is,” as the kingdom is in our midst. Therefore, the law should guide us toward the values of God’s kingdom—love, compassion, forgiveness, and humility. By embodying these values, we can live out the kingdom principles, demonstrating the law’s fulfillment through our actions.
Rather than being seen as restrictive, the law, through Jesus’ teaching, should be viewed as guidelines that contribute to flourishing in our lives and communities. In the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12), Jesus outlines the characteristics of those who are blessed by God, further illustrating the attitude and heart behind adherence to the law.
7. The Law in Our Lives
Lastly, we must consider how to practically apply Jesus’ teachings about the law in our lives today. In Matthew 7:12, known as the Golden Rule, Jesus states, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” This command encourages us to reflect on our actions and interactions with others.
The Apostle Paul amplifies this message in Romans 13:10, saying, “Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law.” Thus, understanding Jesus’ perspective on the law leads us to a life characterized by genuine love towards God and others, which naturally fulfills the law’s requirements.
In practical terms, we might ask ourselves questions like: How can I love God fully today? How can I serve and uplift my neighbor? Such reflections promote active engagement with the teachings of Jesus, allowing the law to become a living, breathing part of our faith. Embracing this approach fosters a community of love and grace where the law is not seen as a burden but as an instrument of transformation.
Final Thoughts
In summary, Jesus’ teachings on the law emphasize its fulfillment through love, grace, and relational living. As we explore His words, we see a beautiful intertwining of the law and love, encouragement to embrace righteousness, and an invitation to entrust ourselves to a relationship with God. Together, we can live out these principles in our daily lives, fulfilling Jesus’ call to love God and our neighbors, thus embodying the essence of the law in our hearts.
Understanding the law in light of Jesus’ teachings transforms our spiritual journey. It offers clarity on our responsibilities while empowering us through grace. We are invited to reflect on our hearts and actively engage with others, making love the cornerstone of our actions. As we step into our days, let us do so knowing that we are part of something bigger, a kingdom characterized by compassion, mercy, and an everlasting love.
Ultimately, embracing what Jesus said about the law unlocks a pathway to living our faith authentically and meaningfully, which is what God desires for each one of us.
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