Regular readers of Darkened Glass Reflections will notice that it has been over a month between articles. I began writing this article in late June or early July, but it proved to be more difficult than I expected. Then, I was on vacation for several weeks, and time with my son’s family (especially my grandchildren) became the top priority. I pray you find this article worth the wait: I approached Matthew 5:17-20 from a different angle, and it is a passage that has inspired many different interpretations over the years. Since it is lengthy, it will appear in two installments.

“Do not presume that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill.For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke of a letter shall pass from the Law, until all is accomplished!Therefore, whoever nullifies one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say to you that unless your righteousness far surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:17-20; all Scripture quotations are from the New American Standard Bible).

It is always wise to read Jesus’ teaching in His cultural context. At times, it is helpful to also remember His earthly background. This is especially true when we see the words “abolish” and “fulfill” in Matthew 5:17-20. Jesus spent His youth working as a carpenter alongside Joseph, His earthly father figure. These words would be significant while repairing a damaged house.

To “abolish” a house would be to demolish it. To “fulfill” it would be to complete it: perhaps it was incomplete, needed repair, or required changes to meet new needs. (Many Bible scholars will focus on more generally used meanings of the words “abolish” and “fulfill,” but during a word study some years ago, I found these architectural nuances very interesting and significant. Unfortunately, we often overlook Jesus’ upbringing and personal experiences, as if they did not matter to Him.)

In late September 2022, Hurricane Ian made landfall on the gulf coast of Florida. Many homes and businesses were destroyed by this powerful storm. Some houses and buildings were so badly damaged that there was only one option: demolish what remained, remove the debris, and prepare to build a new structure in that location. The house had to be “abolished.”

Others, including my wife’s parents, were somewhat more fortunate. When they returned to their house, they found that part of the ceiling was damaged. There was some other minor damage, but they could live there. The house did not need to be demolished. Instead, it needed repairs to restore it to a state of completion. Work crews came to repair the ceiling and some walls, replace the roof, and make a few other changes.

This process is not limited to natural disasters. Homeowners may not need to repair a home but may seek other improvements. Perhaps a family outgrows their home and, instead of buying a bigger house, they add an extension: convert an attic or garage into another bedroom; build an extra room where a patio used to be; or build a second story. The house may have been obsolete or insufficient to fulfill its purpose; after repair or renovation, it is complete.

Jesus brought fulfillment and completion to God’s covenantal dealings with Israel and humanity. When God established the covenant with Abraham, He said, “In you all the families of the earth will be blessed” (Genesis 12:3). Through Christ, all mankind is blessed; He offers salvation to all nations. Whereas He focused His blessings and revelation on one nation under the Old Covenant, people from all nations are invited to know Him now.

Jesus brought the Torah—the Old Testament law—to fulfillment. The Old Covenant revolved around animal sacrifices that provided a temporary covering for Israel’s sins. Jesus became the perfect sacrifice—“Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 4:29). Instead of a temporary partial antidote for one nation’s sins, He died to offer full, complete, and final forgiveness for any who will receive His offer of mercy. He did not die for one ethnic group or a small group of people. Instead, He died for all who would receive His forgiveness. He died for you.

(Click here for the conclusion.)

Heavenly Father, thank You for completely revealing Yourself and Your will to us through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Forgive our sins, pour out Your Spirit upon and within us, and make us more like You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

What are your thoughts about how Jesus came not to abolish, but to fulfill, God’s Law? How does it affect your relationship with Him? Share your thoughts below.

Copyright © 2023 Michael E. Lynch. All rights reserved.