Fulfilling the Law: God’s Purpose in Jesus Explained

In Matthew 5:17, Jesus said: 

“I have not come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it.”

Sometimes Christians struggle understanding the relevance of Old Testament Law to us. On the one hand Jesus said he came to fulfill the law, assuring that “not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished”. (see Matthew 5:17-18) But then Jesus seems to declare an end to certain laws, as in Mark 7 when he effectively nullified Old Testament food restrictions.

This confusion around the Law is further compounded by how silly and distasteful so many Old Testament laws seem to our cultural sensibilities. It can be tempting then to just write them all off as part of a by-gone era of God dealing with Israel that have little meaning for us today.

So, should we just forget about the Old Testament Law?

In this latest episode of our Hard Teachings of Jesus series, Scott and Shawn look directly at Jesus’ claim to be the fulfillment of the Law in order to better understand the nature of God’s law given to Israel, it’s purpose in God’s plan of redemption, and its importance for our lives of faith as Jesus’ followers.