Monday 4th March
Read Matthew 5:17-18
“‘Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” (NIVUK)
The relationship between the gospel of the kingdom and the law is one much debated through Christian history. As early as the second century some argued that Christians were completely free from the law and only need obey the ‘law of love’. This is all the more surprising because we have the relationship proclaimed clearly by none other than Jesus Himself!
Early in His ministry it must have been clear that Jesus’ relationship to the law was somewhat different to what those around Him expected. Perhaps He had already begun healing on the Sabbath? How else can we understand His clear pronouncement at the beginning of the body of His sermon, rebutting what others thought?
What Jesus says is unmistakably clear and yet difficult to understand. Jesus did not come to abolish the law or prophets. All that they say, and promise, remains true. Hence much can be gained by their diligent study. The mystery is how Jesus ‘fulfils’ them and much ink has been spilled in the attempt to solve it.
The simplest explanation is that He fulfils them because they point to Him. Bishop Ryle summarised it well: ‘The Old Testament is the Gospel in the bud, the New Testament is the Gospel in full flower’. The Law and the Prophets only make full sense when read with the knowledge of Jesus. Therein lies the key to the relationship between the gospel of the kingdom and the law, not opposed but expanded and completed. As we will learn over the next fortnight the gospel of the kingdom is both easier and much, much harder than the law…
