Jesus and the Fulfillment of the Law

The Purpose of the Sermon on the Mount
Jesus begins the Sermon on the Mount by describing those who will be citizens in His kingdom. The Beatitudes serve as the foundation of character and conduct expected of those who will belong to His reign. As He preaches, He prepares listeners for the day of Pentecost, where some would obey the gospel and enter the kingdom. Thus, every part of His teaching in Matthew 5 is foundational for understanding life in the kingdom of heaven.

Christ Did Not Come to Destroy the Law
In Matthew 5:17-20, Jesus explicitly states, "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill." His words countered the accusations of the Pharisees, who often charged Him with breaking the Law, especially regarding the Sabbath. In truth, He violated their human traditions—not God's Law. Jesus affirmed that not even a "jot or tittle," the smallest marks in Hebrew writing, would pass from the Law until all was fulfilled.

Jesus fulfilled the Law by living it perfectly and completing its purpose. Romans 10:4 declares, "Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes." The Law was a tutor to bring us to Christ (Galatians 3:24), and in Him, it found its goal and completion. Colossians 2:13-14 reveals that Christ took the Law out of the way by nailing it to the cross. He didn’t destroy it; He fulfilled it, closing one covenant and ushering in the New.

The Authority of Every Command
Jesus emphasized that every detail of the Law had divine authority. Anyone who broke even the least commandment and taught others to do so would be called least in the kingdom of heaven. This reinforces the concept of Bible authority—that every command of God matters. This was especially relevant in Jesus' time, when the Pharisees were guilty of elevating their traditions over the Law and misleading the people (Matthew 15:9).

Righteousness Must Exceed the Pharisees
In Matthew 5:20, Jesus issued a startling challenge: "Unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven." To His audience, the Pharisees appeared to be the most religious people alive. Yet Jesus condemned their hypocrisy and externalism. In Matthew 23:23-28, He denounced them for straining out gnats while swallowing camels, for cleaning the outside of the cup while leaving the inside filthy, and for appearing righteous outwardly while being corrupt within.

The Old Law Was Always About the Heart
Some have wrongly concluded that the Old Testament focused only on outward actions, but passages like Deuteronomy 6:5, Leviticus 19:17-18, and Exodus 20:17 prove otherwise. God always cared about the condition of the heart. Hatred, envy, and covetousness were condemned even in the Law of Moses. Jesus’ teachings restored this heart-based emphasis, clarifying that sin begins within.

The Danger of Inner Sin
Jesus continued by saying, "You have heard that it was said... you shall not murder... but I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment" (Matthew 5:21-22). He addresses not only the act of murder, but the internal sins of anger, contempt, and hatred. These heart-sins make one liable to condemnation, even hellfire. The term "fool" in this context carried a deep insult of moral worthlessness—a hateful expression of disdain.

Worship Requires Reconciliation
Jesus then taught that reconciliation must come before worship. If one remembers that a brother has something against them, they must first be reconciled before bringing their gift to the altar (Matthew 5:23-24). This is a vital principle of spiritual integrity: right relationships with others are essential to right relationship with God.

Quick Resolution of Conflict
In Matthew 5:25-26, Jesus advised settling disputes quickly. While this is wise morally and legally, the spiritual application is clear: unresolved conflict can lead to judgment. He warns that delay and stubbornness may result in being "thrown into prison," a picture of being held accountable by God. We must do our part to seek peace, even when others may not respond.

Conclusion
Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5 reveals His fulfillment of the Law and reemphasizes God's original intention: righteousness from the heart. He exposed the Pharisees’ hypocrisy, taught the importance of internal purity, and stressed reconciliation and love over ritual. Kingdom citizens must surpass superficial religion and follow Christ in sincerity, humility, and truth.

Sermon Outline: "Jesus and the Fulfillment of the Law"

Introduction:

• The Sermon on the Mount prepares hearts for the kingdom.
• Jesus clarifies His relationship to the Law and the heart of righteousness.

I. Jesus Came to Fulfill, Not Destroy

• Matthew 5:17-18: Not one detail of the Law would fail.
• Romans 10:4, Colossians 2:14: Jesus fulfilled and ended the Law.
• Prophecy pointed to Him; He completed it.

II. Every Command Has Authority

• Matthew 5:19: Even the least commandments matter.
• Pharisees taught traditions, not God’s truth (Matthew 15:9).
• Bible authority is essential today.

III. True Righteousness Exceeds the Pharisees

• Matthew 5:20: Outward piety is not enough.
• Matthew 23: Hypocrisy, pride, legalism condemned.
• Inward transformation is required.

IV. The Old Law Taught Inner Righteousness

• Deuteronomy 6:5; Leviticus 19:17-18; Exodus 20:17
• God always expected a pure heart.
• Jesus restored this true focus.

V. Anger, Hatred, and Reconciliation

• Matthew 5:21-22: Anger and contempt bring judgment.
• Matthew 5:23-24: Reconciliation must precede worship.
• Matthew 5:25-26: Resolve issues quickly and humbly.

Call to Action:

• Is your heart clean before God?
• Have you reconciled with your brother?
• Will you submit to Christ's higher righteousness today?

Lesson prepared by Bobby Stafford, church of Christ at Granby, MO.