Thursday 6 February 2025

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill." (v. 17)

Matthew 5:17-20 Thursday 6 February 2025

Psalm 69:30-36

Background
When Jesus refers to the Law and the Prophets, he is referring to some of the Jewish writings that make up what we call the Old Testament or the Hebrew Bible.

In the Hebrew Bible there are three sections: The Law (the first five books), The Prophets (Judges, Ezekiel and others) and the Writings (Psalms, Lamentations and others). We need to understand that Jesus is speaking of a much broader range of themes here than just the Ten Commandments. Instead he is talking about the purpose of God that has been at work since the creation of the world.

When he tells those listening that nothing will pass away or that he has not come to abolish what has gone before, he is affirming that his ministry is part of God’s plan for the world. It is not a divergence from what has gone before but a continuation of all that God has been doing.

Jesus encourages the people to follow the Commandments and to live in accordance with the Jewish Law and the Prophets' teaching. It should be seen as an encouragement to seek to be faithful followers of God. We should all seek to love the Lord our God with all our mind, strength and soul and to love our neighbours as ourselves.

As followers of Jesus we continue to seek the purpose of God at work in our own lives and in the lives of others.

To Ponder:

  • How might we seek to share the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount in today's world?
  • What does it mean for you personally to live out the command to love God with all your being and to love your neighbour as yourself?
  • Where do you see God at work in your life or the world around you?

Bible notes author: The Revd David Wynd
David Wynd is a Methodist minister serving in Cullercoats, in North Tyneside.

Wednesday 5 February 2025
Friday 7 February 2025