September 30, 2021
Scripture: “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.” Matthew 5:17 ESV
Observation: Siding with D.A. Carson and James Boyce’s view of this passage, Jesus is not pointing to his teachings of the law but himself as the fulfillment of the law. He fulfilled its moral code through his perfected obedience to the Father, the sacrificial element through his atoning death, and the prophecies through the specific actions of his life and ministry.
Takeaway: In addressing Israel’s unbelief, Paul affirms Jesus’ fulfillment of the law as he notes, “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes” (Romans 10:4). If we seek to fulfill the law outside of the One who is the fulfillment of the law, if we seek to live a moral life devoid of a deeper loving relationship with Christ, then we, like the unbelieving Jews, will continue to fail to uphold the law. For it is in Christ alone, do we find the grace and forgiveness to live out the summation of the law and the prophets, the Golden Rule: “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12).
Prayer: Father God, please deepen our love for you and your Son, that we might grow in gratitude for his fulfillment of your law and in grace to live out its summation expressed in the Golden Rule. Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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