Where Did Jesus Say “I Am the Law of Moses”?

Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity, is often portrayed as a compassionate and loving individual who brought a message of grace and redemption. However, there are instances in the Bible where Jesus addresses the Law of Moses, claiming authority over it. Let’s explore these instances and shed light on their significance.

1. John 5:46-47 – In this passage, Jesus says, “If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me.” Here, Jesus establishes a connection between himself and the Law of Moses, emphasizing that Moses wrote about him.

2. Matthew 5:17 – Jesus states, “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.” Here, Jesus clarifies that he did not come to negate the Law but to fulfill its purpose.

3. Matthew 12:8 – Jesus asserts, “For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” By referring to himself as the Lord of the Sabbath, Jesus implies his authority over the laws regulating the Sabbath.

4. Mark 7:15 – Jesus declares, “There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him.” In this statement, Jesus challenges the dietary laws prescribed in the Law of Moses, indicating his superiority over those regulations.

5. Luke 4:16-21 – Jesus quotes from Isaiah 61:1-2, proclaiming that the Spirit of the Lord is upon him, anointing him to bring good news to the poor, proclaim liberty to the captives, and set the oppressed free. By associating himself with this messianic prophecy, Jesus indicates his authority over the Law.

6. Matthew 5:21-48 – In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus repeatedly contrasts the commandments of the Law with his own teachings, stating, “You have heard that it was said… but I tell you.” Through these statements, Jesus asserts his authority to reinterpret and deepen the understanding of Mosaic Law.

7. John 8:58 – Jesus boldly declares, “Before Abraham was, I am.” By using the same divine title, “I am,” that God revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14, Jesus affirms his preexistence and divine authority.

8. Matthew 23:1-39 – Jesus criticizes the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy and legalism, highlighting the need for a genuine and heartfelt obedience to God’s commands. This critique further emphasizes Jesus’ authority over the Law.

9. John 14:6 – Jesus famously claims, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” By presenting himself as the exclusive path to salvation, Jesus establishes his authority as the ultimate authority over all religious systems, including the Law of Moses.

FAQs:

1. Did Jesus abolish the Law of Moses?
No, Jesus did not abolish the Law but rather fulfilled its purpose.

2. What does it mean that Jesus fulfilled the Law?
Jesus fulfilled the Law by embodying its true essence and completing the prophecies it contained.

3. Did Jesus break the Sabbath laws?
Jesus challenged the legalistic interpretation of Sabbath laws but did not break them in their true intent.

4. Did Jesus disregard dietary laws?
Jesus taught that it is not what enters a person’s body that defiles them but rather what comes out, indicating a reinterpretation of dietary laws.

5. Does Jesus’ authority over the Law mean we don’t have to follow it?
Jesus’ authority over the Law deepens our understanding of its true intent, but he also taught the importance of obedience to God’s commands.

6. Does Jesus’ authority over the Law imply a disregard for the Old Testament?
No, Jesus affirmed the authority of the Old Testament scriptures and fulfilled their prophecies.

7. Did Jesus claim to be God?
Yes, Jesus claimed to be the Son of God and used divine titles to assert his authority.

8. Does Jesus’ authority over the Law mean Christians are exempt from its requirements?
Jesus’ authority calls for a transformation of the heart and a deeper understanding of the Law, but it does not exempt Christians from its moral principles.

9. How should Christians view the Law of Moses today?
Christians should recognize the Law’s significance as a foundation for moral principles and seek to understand its true intent through the teachings of Jesus.