What Did Jesus Say About the Law of the Old Testament?

The Law of the Old Testament, also known as the Mosaic Law or the Law of Moses, was a set of religious and moral laws given to the ancient Israelites by God. These laws covered various aspects of life, including worship, social justice, and personal conduct. However, with the arrival of Jesus Christ, there was a shift in understanding and application of the Law. In this article, we will explore what Jesus said about the Law of the Old Testament and its relevance in our lives today.

Jesus emphasized the importance of the Law and its fulfillment. In Matthew 5:17-18, Jesus said, “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.” Jesus affirmed that the Law was not to be disregarded, but rather, it was to be fulfilled through His teachings and actions.

While upholding the Law, Jesus also brought a deeper understanding of its true purpose. In Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus summarized the Law by saying, “‘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.” Jesus emphasized that the essence of the Law was love for God and love for others. He taught that obedience to the Law should flow from a heart filled with love, rather than mere external compliance.

Throughout His ministry, Jesus challenged the legalistic interpretation of the Law by the religious leaders of His time. He exposed their hypocrisy and emphasized the importance of mercy, compassion, and justice. For example, in Matthew 5:21-22, Jesus said, “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.” Jesus highlighted the importance of addressing the internal condition of the heart, rather than focusing solely on external actions.

FAQs:

1. Did Jesus abolish the Old Testament Law?
No, Jesus did not abolish the Old Testament Law. Instead, He fulfilled it through His teachings and actions.

2. What did Jesus say was the greatest commandment?
Jesus said the greatest commandment was to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind.

3. What did Jesus say was the second greatest commandment?
Jesus said the second greatest commandment was to love our neighbors as ourselves.

4. Did Jesus challenge the legalistic interpretation of the Law?
Yes, Jesus challenged the legalistic interpretation of the Law by emphasizing the importance of mercy, compassion, and justice.

5. What did Jesus say about anger in relation to the Law?
Jesus said that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment, highlighting the importance of addressing the internal condition of the heart.

6. Does obedience to the Law still matter?
Yes, obedience to the Law still matters, but it should flow from a heart filled with love for God and others.

7. Can we pick and choose which laws to follow?
Jesus emphasized the importance of the Law as a whole, but He also brought a deeper understanding of its true purpose. Love for God and others should guide our obedience to the Law.

8. Are Christians bound by the Old Testament Law?
Christians are not bound by the Old Testament Law as a means of salvation, but the principles and moral teachings of the Law are still applicable today.

9. How did Jesus fulfill the Law?
Jesus fulfilled the Law through His perfect obedience and sacrificial death, which provided redemption and forgiveness for humanity.