One of the most significant aspects of Jesus’ ministry is his relationship with the Law of Moses. Jesus claimed that he came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it. This statement raises the question of what Jesus meant by “fulfilling” the Law and why he did not abolish it? So, what does “Jesus fulfilled the Law” really mean?
Firstly, let us consider what it means for Jesus to fulfill the Law. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus says, “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” (Matthew 5:17). This statement suggests that Jesus was not challenging the validity of the Law but was fulfilling its ultimate purpose. The fulfillment of the Law means that Jesus completed the Law’s demands, aims, and intentions in his person and work. In other words, Jesus fulfilled the Law by being the perfect embodiment of it, both in his actions and teachings.
One example of Jesus fulfilling the Law is his teachings on love. When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was, he responded, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (Matthew 22:37-40). Here, Jesus is summarizing the entire Law in terms of love, emphasizing that love is the essential requirement for a relationship with God and others.
Furthermore, Jesus fulfilled the Law by fulfilling its prophetic predictions. The Law was not only a set of moral commands but also contained predictions of a coming Messiah who would bring salvation to Israel and the nations. Jesus fulfilled these prophecies by his birth, life, death, and resurrection. He was the one who fulfilled the requirements of the Law, the one who brought redemption and reconciliation with God to humanity.
However, it is also important to consider why Jesus did not abolish the Law. Jesus did not abolish the Law because it was God’s revelation to humanity, and as such, it was a permanent expression of God’s character and will. The Law was given to guide humanity to God and to help them understand their need for a savior. It also served as a temporary measure to cover sin until the coming of the Messiah. Therefore, the Law was not meant to be abolished but rather fulfilled in Christ.
Additionally, the Law was still relevant to the Jews at the time of Jesus, and it was their way of life and worship. If Jesus had abolished the Law, it would have caused great confusion and resistance among the Jews. Instead, Jesus came to fulfill the Law, bringing the Jews to a greater understanding of its true purpose.
In conclusion, Jesus fulfilled the Law by embodying its principles in his life and teachings, fulfilling its prophetic predictions, and bringing salvation to humanity. However, he did not abolish the Law, as it was still relevant to the Jews at the time, and it served as a revelation of God’s character and will. As followers of Jesus, we must recognize that the Law is fulfilled in Christ, but we must also understand its relevance to our lives as a guide to living in relationship with God and others.
