Don’t think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn’t come to destroy, but to fulfill. Matthew 5:17 WEB
Sometimes, as Christians, we might be tempted to take for granted the forgiveness of our sins. As followers of Christ, we cannot ignore the burden of obedience to the word and will of God. God’s law is vital to the everlasting life of each believer. Jesus came to live the perfect life of obedience to the Father. In addition, Christ came to pay the price for our sins. In each of these things, Jesus fulfilled prophecy and the law of God.
Christ’s statement about fulfilling the law comes from his famous sermon on the mount. At the time, Jesus’ critics accused him of teaching people to ignore the law of Moses. Christ publicly responded to this lie by affirming his purpose to fulfill the law. Also, Jesus’ words clearly communicate that he is the Messiah as he states that he fulfills the prophets.
Christ Fulfilled the Law
The law of God describes the perfect sinless expectation of our heavenly Father for our behavior. Only Christ fulfilled that law completely. And only Jesus Fulfilled the prophecy of a Savior. For generations, multiple prophets and men of God recorded scripture that predicted the arrival of our Lord. The entire Old Testament of the Bible points to the birth of Christ and the redemption of mankind.
Jesus continues his sermon teaching the importance of keeping the law and God’s expectation of righteousness. Christ says in Matthew 5:19-20, “So then, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do likewise will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever practices and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. WEB”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for sharing this time with me. Thank you that Jesus fulfilled the law and died for my sins. Help me to live as he lived. Guide me with your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Water and Spirit
