MATTHEW 5:17-20
TEACHING ABOUT THE LAW
INTRODUCTION
In Matthew 5:17-20, Jesus addresses the critical role of the Law in His ministry, stating unequivocally that He has not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them. This declaration highlights Jesus’ respect for the Old Covenant while also signaling the advent of a new era in salvation history. By fulfilling the Law, Jesus elevates it, revealing its ultimate purpose and bringing it to completion in His teachings and actions. His words emphasize that the moral and ethical principles of the Law remain vital, but they must be understood in the light of the deeper spiritual realities that He unveils. In this way, Jesus bridges the Old and New Testaments, showing that the Law’s true meaning is found in love and obedience to God.
Furthermore, Jesus warns that righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. This statement challenges superficial adherence to the Law and calls for a more profound, heartfelt commitment to God’s commandments. Jesus is not merely concerned with outward compliance but with the inner transformation of the believer. He encourages a spirituality that is not just about following rules but about living a life that fully embodies the love and justice that the Law intends. Through this teaching, Jesus invites His followers to embrace a more authentic and sincere relationship with God, one that reflects the fullness of the Law as fulfilled in Christ.
Matthew 5:17 “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.”
This verse is a key part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus addresses how His teachings relate to the Jewish Law. In the Catholic tradition, this passage underscores Jesus’ role in fulfilling and perfecting the Old Testament, rather than nullifying it.
Catholic Teachings
1. Fulfillment of the Law: Jesus’ mission was not to dismantle the Old Testament laws but to bring them to their intended completion. His fulfillment of the Law involves not only adherence to its directives but also revealing its deeper spiritual significance. Jesus embodies the ultimate purpose of the Law, which is to guide people towards loving God and neighbor.
2. The Law and Prophets: The term “Law and Prophets” refers to the entirety of the Hebrew Scriptures. Jesus’ life and mission complete the prophecies and moral teachings of these texts, establishing Him as the Messiah foretold by the prophets and the living embodiment of the ethical teachings of the Law.
3. New Covenant: The fulfillment that Jesus brings also inaugurates a new covenant. This covenant, characterized by grace and truth, emphasizes an internal transformation where the Law is inscribed on the hearts of believers. It calls for a move beyond mere external adherence to the Law towards a deeper, more authentic relationship with God, grounded in love and mercy.
Reflection
As followers of Christ, we are invited to see the Law as more than just a set of rules. Jesus challenges us to embrace the spirit of the Law, which centers on love and mercy. By fulfilling the Law, Jesus shows us the path to live our faith fully and authentically, rooted in a deep relationship with God and expressed through love for our neighbors.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, who came not to abolish but to fulfill the Law. Help us to understand and embrace the deeper meaning of Your commandments. May we live out the spirit of the Law in our daily lives, loving You and our neighbors more deeply. Grant us the grace to follow Jesus’ example and become true reflections of Your love and mercy in the world. Amen.
Matthew 5:18 “For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished.”
Matthew 5:18 is a key verse within the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus emphasizes the continuity and fulfillment of the Mosaic Law. This verse assures us of the enduring and unchanging nature of God’s Law. Jesus uses the smallest details of the Hebrew language – the “iota” (the smallest letter) and the “dot” (the smallest stroke of a letter) – to highlight that even the minutest aspect of the Law will remain valid until its divine purpose is fully realized.
Catholic Understanding
In Catholic theology, this verse underscores several key points:
1. Continuity of the Law: Jesus affirms that He has not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them (Mt 5:17). The smallest parts of the Hebrew alphabet represent the idea that every detail of the Law is significant and will be upheld until its purpose is fully realized.
2. Fulfillment in Christ: The fulfillment of the Law is seen in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. He embodies the Law and the Prophets, bringing their teachings to their intended completion. This fulfillment does not negate the Law but transcends it, moving from external adherence to internal transformation.
3. Moral Imperatives: The moral teachings of the Mosaic Law remain valid. Jesus emphasizes the spirit of the Law rather than mere literal observance. He calls for a deeper righteousness that surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees (Mt 5:20), focusing on the intentions and purity of the heart.
Theological Implications
The Catholic Church teaches that the Old Testament Law is not rendered obsolete but is brought to its fullness in Christ. This perspective is rooted in the belief that God’s revelation is progressive, culminating in Jesus, who perfects the Law by emphasizing love, mercy, and internal conversion. The permanence of God’s Word is highlighted by the phrase “until heaven and earth pass away,” signifying that the Law’s fulfillment will endure until the end of time.
Jesus’ Approach to the Law
Jesus did not abolish any God-given laws, such as the Ten Commandments, which are permanent. However, He did question later misapplications, traditional practices, and ceremonial rituals. By healing the sick and casting out demons on the Sabbath day, Jesus emphasized the importance of mercy over worship (Mt 9:13). Though He seemed to be a lawbreaker to the Jewish leaders, in reality, He corrected and perfected the Law, ensuring its true purpose was realized.
Reflection
Matthew 5:18 invites Christians to reflect on the enduring significance of God’s commandments. It challenges believers to go beyond superficial compliance and seek a heartfelt commitment to God’s will. This passage calls for a transformation that aligns one’s actions with the deeper moral and spiritual purposes of the Law, as fulfilled in Christ. As Christians, we are called to respect and follow the teachings of Christ, who fulfills the Law in its entirety, leading us toward true freedom and holiness.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Law, fulfilled in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to follow Your commandments with a sincere heart, recognizing the love and wisdom they contain. May we always strive to live according to Your will, and through the grace of the Holy Spirit, be transformed into the image of Christ. Grant us the strength to uphold Your Word in our lives and to be witnesses of Your truth in the world. Amen.
Matthew 5:19 “Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”
This verse is a key component of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, where He outlines the new righteousness expected of His followers – one that surpasses the superficial observance of the Law practiced by the scribes and Pharisees. Jesus emphasizes that His mission is not to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them, which gives this verse its profound context.
The Importance of the Commandments
Jesus underscores the significance of every commandment, even those that might seem minor. This is a challenge to the Pharisees’ tendency to classify laws as greater or lesser. For Jesus, every part of the Law is sacred, as it reflects God’s holy will. The smallest letter or even the smallest part of a letter in the Law holds importance, and breaking even a seemingly minor commandment is a serious offense that can mislead others.
Breaking and Teaching Against the Commandments
Jesus condemns the act of breaking even the smallest commandments and teaching others to do the same. This reflects not only a personal failure to uphold God’s law but also the grave responsibility that comes with influencing others. Those who disregard the commandments and lead others astray through their words or actions will be considered “least in the kingdom of heaven.” This suggests a diminished role or reward in the afterlife, rather than exclusion from the kingdom itself.
Obeying and Teaching the Commandments
On the other hand, those who faithfully observe and teach the commandments will be considered “great in the kingdom of heaven.” This highlights the value that God places on obedience and the responsible teaching of His law. Disciples of Christ are called not only to follow the commandments but also to serve as role models for others, guiding them towards the truth of the Gospel. Jesus Himself exemplifies this perfect obedience to the Law, urging His followers to do likewise.
Catholic Interpretation and Reflection
From a Catholic perspective, Matthew 5:19 calls for a deep respect for God’s commandments as an integral part of discipleship. The Catholic Church teaches that these commandments are not merely legalistic rules but are expressions of God’s will that guide us towards holiness and human flourishing.
Fulfillment of the Law: Jesus fulfills the Law by internalizing and intensifying its principles. He extends the prohibition against murder to include anger and hatred, and the commandment against adultery to encompass lust. This shift from external compliance to internal transformation aligns with God’s promise in Jeremiah 31:33 to write His law on the hearts of His people.
Teaching and Example: Catholics believe that living out and teaching the commandments is essential for true discipleship. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) emphasizes that the moral law guides us to live lives that are pleasing to God. Teachers of the faith – whether clergy or laypersons – must faithfully observe and convey the fullness of God’s commandments, as their teachings and example carry eternal significance.
Hierarchy in the Kingdom of Heaven: The distinction between being “least” and “greatest” in the kingdom of heaven relates to one’s standing based on their faithfulness in this life. This does not determine salvation but reflects the degree of honor or reward one receives from God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your commandments, which guide us in living a life that is pleasing to You. Help us to internalize Your laws and live them out with sincerity and love. Grant us the courage to teach Your truths faithfully, both in word and deed, so that we may be called great in Your kingdom. Strengthen us to follow the example of Jesus, who fulfilled the Law perfectly. May our lives reflect Your love and righteousness to all those we encounter. Amen.
Matthew 5:20 “I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the kingdom of heaven.”
This powerful statement, made during the Sermon on the Mount, sets a high standard for those who seek to follow Christ and enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. To fully grasp the depth of this teaching, it is essential to understand the context of the scribes and Pharisees, the nature of righteousness as taught in the Bible, and the Catholic Church’s interpretation of this verse.
Understanding the Scribes and Pharisees
During Jesus’ time, the scribes and Pharisees were highly respected for their strict adherence to the Mosaic Law and their outward displays of piety. The scribes were experts in the Law, responsible for copying and interpreting the Scriptures. They held significant influence among the Jewish people, often serving as teachers and judges. The Pharisees, whose name means “separate” or “detached,” were known for their rigorous observance of Jewish rituals and traditions, striving to maintain the purity of Judaism against external influences.
However, despite their meticulous observance of the Law, Jesus frequently criticized the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy. While they appeared righteous outwardly, their hearts were not aligned with God. Jesus described them as “whitewashed tombs,” beautiful on the outside but full of dead bones and impurity within (Mt 23:27-28). Their focus on external compliance often led them to neglect the spirit of the Law, which is rooted in love, mercy, and justice.
The Nature of Righteousness
In the Biblical sense, righteousness is the state of being right with God. It involves a relationship with God that is marked by faith, obedience, and moral integrity. Throughout the Scriptures, various individuals are recognized as righteous because of their faithfulness to God. For example, Abel was considered righteous for offering a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain (Heb 11:4), and Noah was described as a righteous man who walked with God (Gen 6:9).
In the New Testament, righteousness continues to be associated with faith and obedience. Zechariah and Elizabeth, the parents of John the Baptist, were described as “righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly” (Lk 1:6). However, the Catholic Church teaches that true righteousness cannot be achieved by human effort alone but is a gift from God, made possible through His grace. As St. Paul writes, “For our sake, he made him to be sin who did not know sin, so that we might become the righteousness of God in him” (2 Cor 5:21).
Surpassing the Righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees
Jesus’ call for a righteousness that surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees is a call to interior transformation. It is not enough to follow the Law externally; true righteousness requires a conversion of the heart. The Pharisees’ righteousness was often superficial, focused on outward observance rather than the love and mercy that should underlie all actions. Jesus calls His followers to go beyond this, to live out the Beatitudes, and to embody the love and mercy of God in their daily lives.
Catholic teaching emphasizes that this interior righteousness is not something we can achieve on our own. It is a gift from God, initiated by His grace and nurtured through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that Christian righteousness is rooted in a relationship with God and expressed through love and charity towards others (CCC 1968).
Entering the Kingdom of Heaven
The Kingdom of Heaven, as taught by Jesus, is both a present reality and a future promise. It begins in the hearts of those who follow Christ and will reach its fullness at the end of time, with the second coming of Christ. Entry into this kingdom requires a righteousness that goes beyond mere external compliance with the Law. It demands a life of authentic discipleship, characterized by love, humility, and sincerity.
Jesus made it clear that not everyone who calls Him “Lord” will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but only those who do the will of His Father (Mt 7:21). In the discourse on the Last Judgement, Jesus outlined the practical expressions of this righteousness: feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked, and visiting the sick and imprisoned (Mt 25:34-36). This altruistic approach, which was lacking among the scribes and Pharisees, is the essence of the righteousness that Jesus demands.
Living Out True Righteousness
For Catholics, living out true righteousness means more than adhering to the letter of the Law. It involves embracing the spirit of the Law, which is love. St. Paul reminds us, “For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’” (Gal 5:14). This love is perfected through works of mercy, prayer, and adherence to God’s commandments.
Reflection
As followers of Christ, we are called to transcend mere legalism and live a life of authentic righteousness, rooted in love and guided by the Holy Spirit. This call challenges us to examine our motives and actions, ensuring that they align with the deeper demands of the Gospel. By striving for this righteousness, we reflect the love of Christ in the world and move closer to the Kingdom of Heaven.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, grant us the grace to pursue true righteousness that exceeds mere external observance. Transform our hearts so that we may live according to Your will, loving You above all things and our neighbors as ourselves. Help us to seek Your kingdom in all that we do, and may our lives be a testament to Your love and mercy. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, Matthew 5:17-20 presents a profound teaching from Jesus about the continuity and fulfillment of the Law. Jesus emphasizes that He came not to abolish the Law but to bring it to its completion, showing that the true essence of the Law lies in love, mercy, and an authentic relationship with God. The call to exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees challenges us to go beyond mere external observance and to embrace a deeper, heartfelt commitment to God’s will. This teaching invites us to internalize the principles of the Law, transforming our lives to reflect the love and justice that Jesus embodied.
As followers of Christ, we are called to live out this fulfilled Law through our thoughts, words, and actions, striving for an inner righteousness that aligns with the heart of God. This involves a sincere dedication to the commandments, not merely as rules to follow but as expressions of God’s love and wisdom that guide us towards holiness. Through the grace of God and the example of Christ, we are empowered to live lives that truly reflect the fullness of the Law, leading us closer to the Kingdom of Heaven.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the Law in its entirety. Help us to embrace the deeper meaning of Your commandments, living them out with sincere hearts and in love for You and our neighbors. Grant us the grace to seek true righteousness, not just in outward actions but in the transformation of our hearts. May our lives be a reflection of Your love and mercy, and may we walk faithfully in the path that leads to Your Kingdom. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.