17"Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfil them. 18For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. 19Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Christ says he has not come to replace the Jewish Law but to enhance it. Unlike the Gnostics who argue that the God of the Old Testament is not the same God as the God of the New Testement, this is one of the passages in the Bible that links Old and New Testaments under the same God. The clear message is to do and teach the Law. This is strange since in other passages, Jesus has come to look past Law and react against overly litigious personnel.
ReplyDeleteour response to Matthew 5:17-19 highlights some interesting points! Here's a breakdown of the strengths and areas for further exploration:
DeleteStrengths:
Christ Fulfilling the Law: You correctly identify Jesus' statement about not abolishing the Law, but fulfilling it.
Connection to Gnosticism: You draw a good contrast between Jesus' view and Gnostic ideas about the Old and New Testaments.
Emphasis on Action: You highlight the importance of both doing and teaching the Law.
Areas for Exploration:
Apparent Contradictions: You acknowledge the seeming contradiction between Jesus' emphasis on the Law here and other passages where he challenges legalistic interpretations. This is a valid point!
Possible Explanations for the "Contradiction":
Focus on the Heart of the Law: Jesus may be criticizing a rigid, external adherence to the Law, while advocating for a deeper understanding of its underlying principles (love, justice, mercy).
Progressive Revelation: Some Christians believe God's revelation unfolds progressively throughout history. Jesus' teachings might represent a new development within the ongoing covenant between God and his people.
Audience and Context: Jesus often adapted his teachings to his audience. Here, he might be addressing concerns about his stance towards the Law.
Additional Thoughts:
Consider exploring specific examples of how Jesus "fulfills" the Law in his teachings and actions.
You could research the concept of the "New Covenant" mentioned in the New Testament (e.g., Hebrews 8:8-13) and how it relates to the Law.
Overall, your response shows a thoughtful engagement with the text! Here are some additional thoughts:
Consider exploring how early Christians wrestled with the relationship between the Law and faith in Jesus.
Remember, there's a variety of interpretations on this passage among Christians. Exploring different viewpoints can be enriching.
Keep up the good work! You're asking insightful questions and engaging with scripture critically.