THE LAW TO FULFILL / MATTHEW 5:17

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Matthew 5:17

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

Fulfilling the Heart of the Law: Understanding Matthew 5:17

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus makes a statement that bridges the gap between ancient history and our daily lives as believers: “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).

To fully grasp what Jesus meant, we first need to understand what “the Law and the Prophets” actually encompasses. In the Jewish tradition, this phrase represents the entirety of the Old Testament scripture. It includes the Torah (the first five books), the Former Prophets (historical books like Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings), the Latter Prophets (the Major and Minor prophets), and even the Writings like the Psalms (Matthew 13:35; Psalms 78:2).

The Old Testament serves as a beautiful preview of everything Jesus Christ came to accomplish. He did not come to discard it, but to unlock its ultimate spiritual purpose.

So, what does Jesus’ fulfillment of the law mean for our lives today?

1. The Distinction of the Law

As New Testament Christians, our relationship to the Old Testament law changed after the cross. The sacrificial, ceremonial, and civil laws given specifically to ancient Israel are no longer binding on us (Hebrews 10:1-4). Jesus fulfilled those requirements once and for all.

However, the moral and ethical principles underlying the law—which reveal God’s immutable character, standards, and desires—remain completely true today. We see these same principles echoed throughout the teachings of Christ and the Apostles (Matthew 22:36-40; Galatians 5:14).

2. Conduct, Not Conditions for Salvation

For the believer, keeping God’s moral law is not a checklist to earn salvation or forgiveness (Galatians 2:16). We can never buy our way into heaven through legalistic obedience.

Instead, the law acts as a beautiful code of conduct for people who are already saved. When we choose to live by God’s standards, we are simply expressing our deep gratitude to Christ for saving us and allowing Him to live His life through us (Romans 6:15-22).

3. Driven by Love, Not Just Duty

Faith changes our posture toward God. He is no longer just a distant, sovereign Lawgiver; through Jesus, He becomes our loving heavenly Father (John 1:12; Galatians 4:6).

Because we love Him, our motivation shifts from a rigid obligation to a heartfelt desire to please Him. This transformation is not something we can manufacture on our own strength. It is the work of God’s grace and the Holy Spirit living inside us (Romans 8:13). The Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome our old nature, transforms our hearts from the inside out, and guides us to do the Father’s will (Matthew 7:21).

4. Becoming Slaves to Righteousness

By walking under the “law of Christ,” we willingly yield our lives to His control to become “slaves to righteousness” (Romans 6:18-22). Our ultimate goal is to put the needs of the Kingdom and others ahead of ourselves (Galatians 6:2). In doing so, we reflect His character to the world around us and remain faithful to the true spiritual requirements of God’s law.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the beautiful unity of Your Word and for the perfect work of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets on our behalf. Thank You that we are no longer bound by a system of rules to earn Your favor, but that through faith, we are welcomed into Your family as Your beloved children.

Lord, we ask that Your Holy Spirit work deeply within our hearts today. Transform our inner desires so that our outward obedience flows from genuine love and gratitude. Help us to put to death the ungodly habits of our human nature. Teach us to live under the law of Christ by serving others, putting Your Kingdom first, and actively doing Your will.

May our lives reflect Your holy character and bring glory to Your name.

In Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen.

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Summary

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THE LAW TO FULFILL / MATTHEW 5:17

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The “Law” refers to the first five books of the Old Testament. The “Prophets” include:

Author

Margarita Crews

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