J C Matthews

Jesus & The Law J C Matthews

In order to understand the role of God's Law within the New Testament it is critical we understand Jesus' perspective and relationship to Law. Many believe that Jesus came to do away with the Old Testament Law, giving a "New Law" or Commandment in the place of the Old. However, Christ plainly states that He did not come to destroy the Law, but to fulfill it. What does this mean? Upon closer examination, we discover that Christ's "New" Commandment is not a rejection or negation of the original Commandments, but in substance a summation of them. Understanding Jesus' relationship to, and perspective of, the Old Testament Law provides us greater insight into His divinity and purpose coming. Jesus, not only came to fulfill the law, but to clarify and restore it to God's intended purpose and former glory within His Covenant Community; while distinguishing it from the religious code of conduct and rules that had become a yoke and stumbling block to many. The religiously imposed commandments, customs, and traditions of men are not the Law or Commandments of God. For Jesus said, they often work to make the Word or Commandments of God of no effect! In other words, "this is not that"! Understanding Jesus' relationship with God's Law provides us greater insight into His divinity, humanity, and purpose for coming that unifies the Old and New Covenants, revealing a greater context of scripture - the presence of God's Kingdom!