Christ and the old law (Matthew 5:17-48)

The relationship between the new and the old covenants

• Abolish in Matthew 5:17 literally means "to destroy". There is no break with the past, but rather a true continuity that respects the original meaning.
• Law and Prophets here stand for the entire Old Testament.
• Fulfill: bring to light the true meaning. This statement by Jesus was valid for both the pious Jew who feared for the fate of the Law he revered (see Acts 6:11-14) and for those who did not respect the Law and sought justification for their actions.
• The iota was the smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet, while the least stroke of a pen (lit. "horn") was an embellishment of certain Hebrew letters. They were signs in Hebrew that did not alter the meaning of the passage. In this way, Jesus wanted to emphasize the validity of all that was contained in the Old Testament until heaven and earth disappear, that is, during the course of this age. Matthew often mentions fulfilled prophecies (Matthew 1:22; 21:4; etc.). The Lord does not speak in vain (Matthew 24:34,35; Isaiah 40:8; 55:11).

Life in the kingdom of God is the true fulfillment of God's moral law.

• Sets aside (lit. "unties") means making the law less stringent. Some believed that the Pharisees did this with their practical rules and the casuistry with which they interpreted the Law.
• Least of these commandments: It is not for us to rank what God requires and then give less importance to what we consider difficult or outdated (James 2:10).
• Teaches others accordingly: before teaching, one must put it into practice (Romans 2:21-23).
• ·Righteousness (a word related to "justification") means "conformity to God's will." Being righteous before God requires more than simply adhering to the law in a formal manner. Righteousness should come from within, not outside.

John 3:5 states that to enter the kingdom of God, one must be born of water and the Spirit. The only way to surpass the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees is by being born again. Only those who are made righteous can act righteously.

• Do you think you're good enough, or do you acknowledge that you require God's righteousness in your life?