Jesus' Approach to the Law

Jesus' Approach to the Law: Revealing a Heart Issue

In Matthew 5:17, Jesus clarifies His approach to the Law, stating that He "did not come to abolish it but to fulfil it."

This response effectively addresses both extremes—He affirms the importance of the Law while also acknowledging that He, Himself, is the one who will fulfil it.

Rather than adopting a mindset of persuading people to keep the Law or policing their every move, Jesus reveals the heart behind the Law.

To understand the Law's true purpose, we need to grasp its contextual significance.

The Law, as part of God's plan, emerges in the aftermath of humanity's separation from God due to Adam and Eve's disobedience.

Their actions introduced a fracture in the perfect relationship between God and humankind.

Consequently, people's hearts became dull, and their love for God diminished.

Throughout history, this pattern continued, with individuals turning to evil, worshiping idols, and pursuing selfish desires.

Amid this backdrop, God enters into a covenant with Abraham, a man of faith.

In Genesis 17, God establishes a permanent covenant with Abraham and his descendants, seeking to restore the broken relationship between Himself and humanity.

However, even after the covenant, the people of Israel repeatedly fall into sin and disobedience.

Enter Moses, whom God chooses to free His people from Egyptian slavery after 430 years.

At this point, the Law begins to take center stage.

Moses delivers portions of the Law to the Israelites, but a familiar pattern emerges—laws followed by disobedience, and the cycle continues.

The issue at hand becomes evident—the people's hearts are turned away from God.

The Law serves as a mirror, revealing that their problem is primarily an internal one manifested through external behavior.

It exposes the heart issue of Israel.

The Law, given by God, regulates the life of His people, defining their relationship with Him and with each other.

It is a divine command that guides and shapes their interactions.

However, its purpose goes beyond mere regulation.

The Law serves to draw Israel closer to God, teaching them what sin is and guiding them toward walking in a way that keeps them undefiled and holy before the Lord.

The Law acts as a teacher, revealing the need for righteousness and exposing the depth of sin.

It illuminates the gap between humanity's fallen state and God's holy standard.

Through the Law, God exposes the heart issue that plagues Israel and all of humanity.

Jesus comes to fulfill the Law, not by promoting legalistic adherence, but by addressing the heart issue at its core.

He emphasizes the importance of internal transformation and genuine relationship with God.

Jesus' teachings and actions throughout His ministry reflect the true intent and purpose of the Law—to guide and lead people toward a loving, obedient, and intimate connection with their Creator.

Conclusion:

Jesus' approach to the Law clarifies its purpose and reveals the heart issue behind it.

He affirms the significance of the Law while bringing attention to the need for internal transformation.

The Law, as a divine teacher, exposes the brokenness within humanity and their inability to fully keep its requirements.

Jesus fulfills the Law by addressing the heart issue, inviting people into a relationship that goes beyond external adherence.

Through Him, true transformation and restoration become possible, guiding individuals to a place of righteousness, love, and intimate connection with God.