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The Sermon on the Mount

Matthew 5 - 7

Chapter 5

Don't think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 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. Therefore, anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

What does this mean?

Context and Interpretation

1. Context in the Sermon on the Mount:
   • The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) contains Jesus' teachings on the values and principles of the Kingdom of Heaven. After the Beatitudes and the metaphors of salt and light, Jesus clarifies His stance on the Jewish Law and the Prophets, addressing potential misconceptions about His teachings.

Explanation of the Passage

1. "Don't think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.":
   • Law and Prophets: This phrase refers to the entirety of the Old Testament scriptures, including the laws given through Moses and the messages of the prophets.
   • Abolish vs. Fulfill: Jesus clarifies that His mission is not to discard or nullify the Old Testament. Instead, He has come to fulfill it, meaning He will complete its purpose and bring it to its intended meaning. Jesus fulfills the law by perfectly obeying it, fulfilling its prophecies, and revealing its ultimate significance.
2. "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.":
   • Smallest Letter and Stroke: This refers to the smallest details of the Hebrew text (like the yod, the smallest letter, and tiny strokes that distinguish certain letters). Jesus emphasizes the enduring authority and permanence of the law.
   • Until Everything is Accomplished: The law remains in force until its purposes are fully achieved. Jesus' mission includes bringing the law to its fulfillment in the context of God's redemptive plan.
3. "Therefore, anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.":
   • Breaking and Teaching: This statement underscores the importance of adhering to God's commandments and teaching them accurately. It speaks against laxity and promotes faithfulness to God's instructions.
   • Least and Great in the Kingdom: The status in the kingdom of heaven is linked to one's faithfulness to God's commands. Those who uphold and teach even the least of the commandments will be considered great, while those who neglect or mislead others will be considered least.
4. "For I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.":
   • Scribes and Pharisees: These were religious leaders known for their meticulous adherence to the law. However, their righteousness often focused on external observance rather than internal transformation.
   • Surpassing Righteousness: Jesus calls for a deeper, more genuine righteousness that exceeds mere legalistic observance. This righteousness involves a heart aligned with God's will, reflecting true holiness and love.

Biblical Principles

1. Fulfillment of the Law in Christ:
   • Jesus' mission includes fulfilling the law and the prophets. He embodies their true meaning and brings to completion what they pointed toward. His life, death, and resurrection are central to this fulfillment.
2. Permanence and Authority of the Law:
   • The law remains authoritative and relevant until its purposes are fully accomplished. Believers are called to respect and adhere to God's commandments.
3. Faithful Practice and Teaching:
   • Followers of Jesus are encouraged to practice and teach God's commands faithfully. Their status in the kingdom of heaven is linked to their faithfulness in this regard.
4. True Righteousness:
   • True righteousness surpasses external compliance with the law and involves a heart transformed by God's grace. This inner righteousness is characterized by genuine love, humility, and obedience to God.

Application

• Understanding Jesus' Fulfillment of the Law: Believers should study how Jesus fulfills the law and the prophets, recognizing the continuity and completion He brings to the Old Testament scriptures.
• Respecting God's Commandments: Christians are called to respect and adhere to God's commandments, understanding their significance and practicing them in their lives.
• Teaching with Integrity: Those who teach God's word should do so with integrity, ensuring they do not lead others astray but faithfully represent God's instructions.
• Pursuing True Righteousness: Believers are encouraged to pursue a righteousness that goes beyond external observance, seeking a heart and life transformed by God's grace and aligned with His will.

Challenges and Encouragement

• Balancing Law and Grace: One challenge is understanding the balance between law and grace. Jesus' fulfillment of the law means believers are not under its penalty but are called to live out its righteous requirements through the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:3-4).
• Avoiding Legalism: Another challenge is avoiding the trap of legalism, which focuses on external adherence without heart transformation. True righteousness involves both inner and outer conformity to God's will.
• Living and Teaching Faithfully: Believers are encouraged to live and teach God's word faithfully, knowing that their faithfulness impacts their standing in the kingdom of heaven.