Mathew 17 Study
Law and Prophets
We’re going to take a look at Matthew 5:17-19, which has been bastardized, and taken out of context. We must remember that we still have the Pharisees and Sadducees with us today.
The Hebrew roots, etc., that we see today, have twisted this to their own destruction, as did the Jews/Judaism of the first century. This is why Jesus had accused the Pharisees and Sadducees (who worked with the Pharisees) of not being able to read their own books (Matthew 22:29). This statement is still true today. I will bring to your remembrance, that the testimony of Jesus Christ is the spirit of prophecy (Revelation 19:10).
If we keep this by faith, and hold it tightly to us, the Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth, because there is no lie in the truth; and we all know who the liar is (John 8:42-47).
Matthew 5:17 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.”
At Matthew 5:17, Jesus is not talking about the old covenant of the Law that God made with their fathers in the wilderness, with its 613 Levitical law/Commandments, but about fulfilling all the things which were written in the 5 books of Moses about him, as well as the Prophets.
And that everything written about him will be fulfilled, and come to pass. (Matthew 24:44)
If we allow scripture to interpret scripture for us, the truth is always revealed through God’s word, so we can have a right understanding. The theme of “The Law and the Prophets” is used in likewise fashion. It is not just in Matthew 5:17. It’s in:
Matthew 7:12 - Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Matthew 11:13 - For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.
Matthew 22:40 - On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.
Luke 16:16 - The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it.
John 1:45 - Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.
Acts 13:15 - And after the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, “Men and brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.
Acts 24:14 - But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets.
Romans 3:21 - But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets
The Law of Moses and the Prophets
Luke 24:27 - And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.
Luke 24:44 - Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.
Acts 26:22 - Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come
Acts 28:23 - So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening.
Please read what Peter had to say in Acts 3:19-26
Act 3:19 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,
Act 3:20 and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before,
Act 3:21 whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.
Act 3:22 For Moses truly said to the fathers, ‘THE LORD YOUR GOD WILL RAISE UP FOR YOU A PROPHET LIKE ME FROM YOUR BRETHREN. HIM YOU SHALL HEAR IN ALL THINGS, WHATEVER HE SAYS TO YOU.
Act 3:23 AND IT SHALL BE THAT EVERY SOUL WHO WILL NOT HEAR THAT PROPHET SHALL BE UTTERLY DESTROYED FROM AMONG THE PEOPLE.’
Act 3:24 Yes, and all the prophets, from Samuel and those who follow, as many as have spoken, have also foretold these days.
Act 3:25 You are sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘AND IN YOUR SEED ALL THE FAMILIES OF THE EARTH SHALL BE BLESSED.’
Act 3:26 To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities.”
I want to digress here, so that we may have more understanding of what the law and Commandments are, and what their goal/purpose was for the Israelites. And that we can also have a better understanding of what the sacrifice of God’s only begotten son meant to them (old covenant Israel), and also to the brethren of the (new covenant church).
Covenant vs Law
A covenant is a binding, foundational relationship or promise between God and humanity (Abrahamic, Mosaic), while law refers to the specific rules, commandments, and instructions (613 Torah laws) that often defined the terms of that covenant. Covenants establish the partnership, whereas laws outline the behavior expected within it.
1) A covenant is a sacred agreement/contract (often promising blessing or land), while law is the ordinance or rule system itself.
2) The covenant is the “umbrella” relationship; laws (moral, ceremonial, civil) are the detailed requirements placed under it.
3) Laws were added to a covenant to define transgressions and show what pleases God. To simplify this, it means that the law was given to shine light on what sin is, according to God.
4) The Mosaic Law was a temporary, instructional “tutor” or “guardian” added because of transgressions/sin to guide people until Christ, until the promised “Seed” arrived.
It functioned to reveal sin; And with Christ’s fulfillment of it, through his death and resurrection, it is no longer the means of our justification (Galatians 3:19-25).
Gal 3:19 What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator.
Gal 3:20 Now a mediator does not mediate for one only, but God is one.
Gal 3:21 Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law.
Gal 3:22 But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
Gal 3:23 But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed.
Gal 3:24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Gal 3:25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.
Essentially, the law acts as the terms of obedience within a covenantal relationship (Conditional requiring human obedience to receive blessings/land) with the covenant focusing on God’s covenantal promise (Unconditional based solely on God’s faithfulness/promise).
The function of the Old Covenant
The mosaic covenant was formally established and maintained through animal sacrifice. (Exodus 24).
Exo 24:1 Now He said to Moses, “Come up to the LORD, you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and worship from afar.
Exo 24:2 And Moses alone shall come near the LORD, but they shall not come near; nor shall the people go up with him.”
Exo 24:3 So Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD and all the judgments. And all the people answered with one voice and said, “All the words which the LORD has said we will do.”
Exo 24:4 And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD. And he rose early in the morning, and built an altar at the foot of the mountain, and twelve pillars according to the twelve tribes of Israel.
Exo 24:5 Then he sent young men of the children of Israel, who offered burnt offerings and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen to the LORD.
Exo 24:6 And Moses took half the blood and put it in basins, and half the blood he sprinkled on the altar.
Exo 24:7 Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read in the hearing of the people. And they said, “All that the LORD has said we will do, and be obedient.”
Exo 24:8 And Moses took the blood, sprinkled it on the people, and said, “This is the blood of the covenant which the LORD has made with you according to all these words.”
Exo 24:9 Then Moses went up, also Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel,
Exo 24:10 and they saw the God of Israel. And there was under His feet as it were a paved work of sapphire stone, and it was like the very heavens in its clarity.
Exo 24:11 But on the nobles of the children of Israel He did not lay His hand. So they saw God, and they ate and drank.
Exo 24:12 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Come up to Me on the mountain and be there; and I will give you tablets of stone, and the law and commandments which I have written, that you may teach them.”
Exo 24:13 So Moses arose with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up to the mountain of God.
Exo 24:14 And he said to the elders, “Wait here for us until we come back to you. Indeed, Aaron and Hur are with you. If any man has a difficulty, let him go to them.”
Exo 24:15 Then Moses went up into the mountain, and a cloud covered the mountain.
Exo 24:16 Now the glory of the LORD rested on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. And on the seventh day He called to Moses out of the midst of the cloud.
Exo 24:17 The sight of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the top of the mountain in the eyes of the children of Israel.
Exo 24:18 So Moses went into the midst of the cloud and went up into the mountain. And Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights.
Moses sealed this covenant with God, by sprinkling the blood of sacrificed animals on the altar, and the people. It was a blood covenant requiring ongoing sacrifices for atonement.
Moses offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, using the blood to ratify the agreement between God and Israel. The sacrificial system, including daily, weekly, and annual sacrifices (like the Day of Atonement), maintained a proper relationship with God, despite human sin.
The levitical priesthood would assume these responsibilities, and act as a mediator between the people and God. Levitical law required five main types of offerings: burnt, meal, peace, sin, and trespass offerings. These sacrifices were temporary and could only “COVER” sin rather than completely removing it; they were a foreshadowing of a future, and an ultimate sacrifice which would remove them.
Hebrews chapters 5-7, (referencing Psalm 110:4), Jesus was appointed by God as an eternal high priest in a superior order of Melchizedek, rather than the temporary Levitical lineage.
This order signifies a royal priesthood (king and priest) that transcends genealogical requirements. Unlike Levitical priests who inherited their role through Aaron, and were limited by death. Melchizedek who was introduced in Genesis (14:18-20), was a “king of Salem” and “priest of God” who blesses Abraham. He is portrayed in the book Hebrews as without father, mother, or genealogy (Hebrews 7:3), symbolizing an eternal priesthood. This priesthood is considered superior, because it predates the Mosaic Law and is established by God’s oath, not human descent. Remember: “the testimony of Jesus Christ is the spirit of prophecy.”
As a high priest after this order, Jesus acts as a mediator, representing humanity to God while reigning as a King. Because of the resurrection of Jesus and his new eternal body, Jesus serves as an eternal intercessor, making his sacrifice complete, and unlike previous priests, not requiring daily, weekly, and annual repetitive sacrifices. In the Old Testament, the priesthood was strictly hereditary. To be a priest, you had to belong to the tribe of Levi and the lineage of Aaron. The conflict that the book of Hebrews settles, is that Jesus was from the tribe of Judah (the royal line of David), not Levi. By identifying Jesus with Melchizedek, the book of Hebrews argues that there is a higher, older priesthood that predates the Law of Moses; AND THE FACT THAT GOD HAS MOVED EVERYTHING UP TO HEAVEN IN HIS SANCTUARY. Therefore, Jesus is not under the earthly (mosaic Law, of genealogy) of the Levitical priesthood any longer.
To recap: in Genesis, Melchizedek blessed Abraham. The Book of Hebrews argues that the one who gives the blessing is greater than the one who receives it, implying this order is superior to the Levites (who were “in the loins” of their ancestor Abraham. (Please read Hebrews 5-8)
Galatians 3:19, 24-25: The Apostle Paul explains that the Law was “added because of transgressions until the offspring (Gods christ) should come” He compares it to a paidagōgos (a guardian or schoolmaster) who instructed children until they reached maturity; now that faith has come, believers are no longer under this guardian/schoolmaster.
Romans 10:4: Scripture states that “Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” This “end” (telos) signifies the mosaic law obsolete” and “inoperative” as a path to righteousness and its ultimate goal or fulfillment.
Hebrews 8:13: The book of Hebrews declares that by establishing a “New Covenant,” God has made the first one (the Mosaic Covenant) “obsolete”. This transition was necessary, because a change in the priesthood, from the Levitical line, to Christ, which legally required a change in the law.
Matthew 5:18 “For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law TILL ALL IS FULFILLED.”
Verse 18 is easily understood when we have proper context of verse 17. Again, we are not talking about the Levitical law in and of itself here in verse 18, being fulfilled. But the prophecies that were written in the five books of Moses, ABOUT JESUS.
Do not let Judaism, worldly Christianity, Hebrew roots, and messianic Christians put you back under these levitical laws, because of their lack of understanding, or deceptions from these man-made religions. Remember, Jesus is speaking this at the very beginning of his ministry. Also remember that the law is given, and then the sacrifice is made; Covenant is inaugurated. Jesus is giving the law that is attached to the new covenant, and will be consecrated in his death/sacrifice, and then his blood sprinkled on the mercy seat in heaven.
This is what Jesus meant when he said, “till all be fulfilled”? Just before he died on the cross, he said “it is finished”
John 19:30: So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.
The sacrifice (Jesus) was the propitiation, for the new covenant, and the sprinkling of his blood on the mercy seat in heaven (John 20:17). Side note to (John 20:17): No one could touch or even be near the high priest while he was carrying the blood to the holy of holies on the day of atonement. The area was clear to prevent defilement of the sacrifice, which would require the entire process to be repeated.
Hebrews 9 gives us an overview of how a testament/covenant operates. A covenant or “testament” (Will) only becomes legally valid and active upon the death of the one who made it (the testator) (Hebrews 9:17).
Heb 9:17 For a testament is in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives.
In context, this means Jesus’ death was absolutely necessary to activate the New Covenant, and the laws that apply to it (sermon on the mount Matthew 5-7). Again, a covenant (specifically the New Covenant) is not in force or “active” as long as the one who established it, is alive. Therefore, Christ had to die for the “New Law” of the New Testament/Covenant to take effect. This would have massive implications for God’s creation as a whole, in reconciling His creation back to him.
This highlights that the Old Covenant (based on animal blood) was replaced by the superior, permanent New Covenant through the death of Jesus, and the sprinkling of his blood on the mercy seat in heaven. Essentially, just as a “Legal Will” will only provide the inheritance to heirs after the benefactor dies. Jesus’ death was the necessary, and final act that gave gentiles access to forgiveness and eternal inheritance promised by God. Remember the old covenant sacrifices only covered sin, but did not remove them from the people. (Please read Hebrews 9:16-22)
Heb 9:16 For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.
Heb 9:17 For a testament is in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives.
Heb 9:18 Therefore not even the first covenant was dedicated without blood.
Heb 9:19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people,
Heb 9:20 saying, “THIS IS THE BLOOD OF THE COVENANT WHICH GOD HAS COMMANDED YOU.”
Heb 9:21 Then likewise he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry.
Heb 9:22 And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.
In context, the passage argues that “without” the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. Hebrews 9:23-26 which depicts Christ acting as the High Priest presenting his own blood in the heavenly sanctuary after his resurrection.
Heb 9:23 Therefore it was necessary that the copies of the things in the heavens should be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
Heb 9:24 For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us;
Heb 9:25 not that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood of another—
Heb 9:26 He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.
This acts as the fulfillment of the Day of Atonement, where blood was sprinkled on the Ark of the Covenant.
I hope you now have more clarity of the book of Hebrews, a Covenant, the Laws, and what this new covenant means to all of us that are in Christ, and to those (unfortunately) that are relying on the old covenant law system for their salvation.
Next we will look at the meaning of Matthew 5:18: “For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away,
Luke 6:17 And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.
Luke 21:33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.
Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.
1 Peter 1:25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the WORD which by the GOSPEL is PREACHED UNTO YOU.
Self-explanatory in scripture!
The Levitical law in its entirety was not preached by Jesus, or any of the apostles, it was quite the opposite. Levitical law was not the good news, nor was it being preached to any gentile in its entirety, by any of them as the gospel! They (Apostles) were preaching the kingdom of God and it’s arrival! Repentance was not an option in the mosaic law, because there was no forgiveness of sins within the Levitical law. Why? Because, “He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses”.
Heb 10:28 Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
It was given to a degenerate people who were coming out of slavery in Egypt, and then later hijacked by Judaism “man-made religion” to rule over the people. Same problem we have today unfortunately. If we would use our common sense and realize that there are no more Israelites, Judean’s/Jews, or a geopolitical state of Israel (nothing more than an empty parking lot) present with us today. And stop with the cosplay, and the ethnic card, this world portrays; we would be all the more wiser. As scripture would take on a whole new meaning for the Gentiles (that’s all of us living on this earth today).
Matthew 5:19 “Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”
Again, Jesus, here, is not talking about the commandments that are written in the levitical law!
He’s talking about the Commandments/law that he’s about to give of the new covenant
“The Law of Christ”.
”The Law of Moses given at Sinai (Old Covenant). Law of Christ, given at the Mount of Olives (New Covenant).
In 1 Corinthians 3:12-15, Paul expounds on verse 19, giving us a little more detail of what Jesus is talking about. Paul explains in (1 Corinthians 3:12-15) that a believer’s teachings and works, will be tested by fire on judgment day. Works built with inferior, temporary materials (”wood, hay, straw”) will be burned up, causing the builder to suffer loss of reward, though they will still be saved as through fire.
1 Corinthians 3:12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,
1 Corinthians 3:13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is.
1 Corinthians 3:14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.
1 Corinthians 3:15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
The only sound foundation is Jesus Christ; all work must be built upon Him. The durable materials that Paul mentions in this passage, likened to gold, silver, and precious stones, pertain to Godly works. Whereas, selfish or inferior works, are likened to hay, straw and stubble.
The fire represents God’s purifying judgment, that tests the quality of a person’s works.
Jer 23:29 “Is not My word like a fire?” says the LORD, “And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?
and
1Pe 1:7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ
If the work survives, the builder receives a reward. If it is burned, the builder suffers loss, but is still saved.
Zec 3:2 And the LORD said to Satan, “The LORD rebuke you, Satan! The LORD who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?”
While pertinent to all believers, this passage in (1 Corinthians 3) specifically addresses teachers and leaders who build the church. Again, Paul compares the life and ministry of a believer; as to a building project. He emphasizes that while the foundation (Christ) is permanent, the materials used to build upon it, will be tested by fire on the “Day” of judgment.
1 Crorinthians 4:1-5 Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.
Romans 3:19-20 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.