The Bible App is completely free, with no advertising and no in-app purchases. Get the app
Active Christians Today at The University of Toledo
Bible Study ~ “I Am the Law” ~ Matthew 5:17-20
Our study in Matthew will show us how he structured his account of Christ as a new Torah with Jesus at the center. It is divided into five sections that each conclude with “when Jesus had finished saying these things” or something similar. Those words describe the power and impact of the words of Christ and what they mean for us today.
Locations & Times
Delta Church of Christ
2018 Bretton Pl, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
Wednesday 7:00 PM
The book of Matthew portrayed Jesus as the ultimate Lawgiver with even more authority than Moses. Jesus unequivocally stated that He came to fulfill the Mosaic law, not abolish it. How did this work? What did Jesus mean?
Opening Questions
When in your life did you feel closest to God? When following Jesus’ teaching? When struggling in your life?
When you hear the word “law,” what is your immediate thought?
How often do we apply the word “law” to Jesus?
When in your life did you feel closest to God? When following Jesus’ teaching? When struggling in your life?
When you hear the word “law,” what is your immediate thought?
How often do we apply the word “law” to Jesus?
Unpack the Text
Sometimes a dramatization can help us as we study what the Bible is trying to tell us. We begin by watching a famous (and somewhat controversial) scene from the television series “The Chosen.”
Sometimes a dramatization can help us as we study what the Bible is trying to tell us. We begin by watching a famous (and somewhat controversial) scene from the television series “The Chosen.”
VIDEO ~ “I Am the Law” from The Chosen
Jesus was asked to read from the Scriptures. Just before He began reading, He paused. Why do you believe He did this?
Jesus read this passage from the scroll:
Jesus was asked to read from the Scriptures. Just before He began reading, He paused. Why do you believe He did this?
Jesus read this passage from the scroll:
Jesus read this passage from the scroll:
Isaiah 61:1-2 (ESV)
1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, ...
Why did Jesus read this particular passage? What did Jesus do next?
Isaiah 61:1-2 (ESV)
1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, ...
Why did Jesus read this particular passage? What did Jesus do next?
“The fulfillment of this Scripture as you have heard it is today.” What is the meaning behind Jesus’ statement?
Jesus read Isaiah 61:2 but stopped in the middle of the passage.
Isaiah 61:2 (ESV)
2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn;
The Pharisee questioned why Jesus didn’t read “and the day of vengeance of our God.” What was Jesus’ response?
Jesus read Isaiah 61:2 but stopped in the middle of the passage.
Isaiah 61:2 (ESV)
2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn;
The Pharisee questioned why Jesus didn’t read “and the day of vengeance of our God.” What was Jesus’ response?
“I’m not here for vengeance. I’m here for salvation,” Jesus said. Why was this statement such a big deal to the religious leaders?
The Pharisee stated, “We are the chosen seed of Abraham. We don’t have spiritual debt.” What did he mean by this? What is so wrong about this statement?
“Jesus is saying only He can save you.” “He did not use those words.” “It’s what I meant.” “Jesus, You’re not helping!” Why is this exchange so important?
As we continue the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapter 5, Jesus discusses various misconceptions we might have about the Law (in the Old Testament). Before we read the passage, what misconceptions might there have been about the Old Testament?
The Pharisee stated, “We are the chosen seed of Abraham. We don’t have spiritual debt.” What did he mean by this? What is so wrong about this statement?
“Jesus is saying only He can save you.” “He did not use those words.” “It’s what I meant.” “Jesus, You’re not helping!” Why is this exchange so important?
As we continue the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapter 5, Jesus discusses various misconceptions we might have about the Law (in the Old Testament). Before we read the passage, what misconceptions might there have been about the Old Testament?
What rumor was apparently being spread about Jesus and His view of the Old Testament? (5:17)
Why do you think this rumor might have persisted?
How did Jesus’ lifestyle contradict a traditional Jewish rabbi’s lifestyle?
Who did Jesus spend time with that the Jewish rabbi did not?
“Jesus spent too much time with women... He spent too much time with sinners and even shared table fellowship with them. This signified that he accepted them and considered them friends, although the great rabbis said, ‘Keep thee far from an evil neighbour and consort not with the wicked.’ Holy men were not supposed to dine with sinners or talk much with women, but Jesus did both.” ~ Daniel M. Doriani Reformed Expository Commentary
Would it have been easier for Jesus to share that He “is the law” if He had just behaved like a rabbi? Why or why not?
Why do you think that Jesus stresses that he did not come to abolish the Law (5:17)?
What did Jesus say was His goal with regard to the Law and the Prophets? (5:17)
Why do you think this rumor might have persisted?
How did Jesus’ lifestyle contradict a traditional Jewish rabbi’s lifestyle?
Who did Jesus spend time with that the Jewish rabbi did not?
“Jesus spent too much time with women... He spent too much time with sinners and even shared table fellowship with them. This signified that he accepted them and considered them friends, although the great rabbis said, ‘Keep thee far from an evil neighbour and consort not with the wicked.’ Holy men were not supposed to dine with sinners or talk much with women, but Jesus did both.” ~ Daniel M. Doriani Reformed Expository Commentary
Would it have been easier for Jesus to share that He “is the law” if He had just behaved like a rabbi? Why or why not?
Why do you think that Jesus stresses that he did not come to abolish the Law (5:17)?
What did Jesus say was His goal with regard to the Law and the Prophets? (5:17)
“The smallest letter” is a Hebrew letter that is the size of a comma and can sometimes be omitted without loss of meaning, somewhat like our silent e. When he says “not the least stroke of a pen” will disappear, he refers to a small shift of the pen that differentiates two similar letters, much as our c and e differ in only one crossing stroke. With this in mind, what was Jesus teaching?
According to Jesus, what cataclysmic event would have to happen before God’s Word could be invalidated in even a tiny way? (5:18) Does this mean that the law is still in effect? Why or why not?
So, how much of the Law did Jesus say would be fulfilled or accomplished? (5:18)
According to Jesus, what cataclysmic event would have to happen before God’s Word could be invalidated in even a tiny way? (5:18) Does this mean that the law is still in effect? Why or why not?
So, how much of the Law did Jesus say would be fulfilled or accomplished? (5:18)
What did Jesus mean by “whoever ‘relaxes’ one of these commandments”? How might this statement of Jesus be viewed as a correct by the Pharisees?
How can this also lead into legalism?
“The scribes and Pharisees sought to codify righteousness, prescribing proper behavior in minute detail for every foreseeable situation. They codified how far one might walk (one thousand yards), how much one might write (one word), and how much food one could take out of storage (one gulp) without breaking the Sabbath.” ~ Daniel M. Doriani, Reformed Expository Commentary
How is this NOT what Jesus was talking about?
However, according to Jesus what happens if a person lives a good life and breaks only minor commandments of God? (5:19)
What warning was given to those who would encourage others to disregard the Word of God? (5:19)
Who is considered great in the kingdom of heaven? (5:19)
How can this also lead into legalism?
“The scribes and Pharisees sought to codify righteousness, prescribing proper behavior in minute detail for every foreseeable situation. They codified how far one might walk (one thousand yards), how much one might write (one word), and how much food one could take out of storage (one gulp) without breaking the Sabbath.” ~ Daniel M. Doriani, Reformed Expository Commentary
How is this NOT what Jesus was talking about?
However, according to Jesus what happens if a person lives a good life and breaks only minor commandments of God? (5:19)
What warning was given to those who would encourage others to disregard the Word of God? (5:19)
Who is considered great in the kingdom of heaven? (5:19)
This seems simple. Weren’t the scribes behaving self-righteously and hypocritical? Doesn’t that make exceeding their righteousness easy? Why is this idea wrong?
Maybe if we change the words to something we would understand today it would make more sense. Today, Jesus might say, “Unless your righteousness is greater than that of pastors, missionaries, and seminary professors you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Does that help your understanding? Why or why not?
So, to what degree of righteousness is necessary for entrance into the kingdom of heaven? (5:20)
Based on the video and Scripture, how did the verses we studied today sow the seeds of Jesus eventual arrest and crucifixion? How?
Maybe if we change the words to something we would understand today it would make more sense. Today, Jesus might say, “Unless your righteousness is greater than that of pastors, missionaries, and seminary professors you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Does that help your understanding? Why or why not?
So, to what degree of righteousness is necessary for entrance into the kingdom of heaven? (5:20)
Based on the video and Scripture, how did the verses we studied today sow the seeds of Jesus eventual arrest and crucifixion? How?
Your Story
How trustworthy are the words of Scripture?
What are some ways we occasionally encourage each other to bend or break God’s rules?
What level of reverence and submission do you think most people have toward the Bible?
What does it mean to "practice" the commandments of God?
What are some ways to teach others about the righteousness of God?
What ideals are most difficult for you to uphold?
Why is it difficult for us to practice what we preach?
How trustworthy are the words of Scripture?
What are some ways we occasionally encourage each other to bend or break God’s rules?
What level of reverence and submission do you think most people have toward the Bible?
What does it mean to "practice" the commandments of God?
What are some ways to teach others about the righteousness of God?
What ideals are most difficult for you to uphold?
Why is it difficult for us to practice what we preach?
Apply It to Your Life
When and how this week can you consult the Bible for guidance on how to live?
What should you do in the near future about someone who tends to "drag you down"?
What command of God will you commit to memory this week?
When and how this week can you consult the Bible for guidance on how to live?
What should you do in the near future about someone who tends to "drag you down"?
What command of God will you commit to memory this week?
Praise & Prayer