Matthew 5:17–22, 43–45

Matthew 5:17–22, 43–45

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Dean, School of Christian Ministries, University of Mobile

Carrying His Values

Matthew 5:17–22, 43–45

Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law, the Prophets and the Writings. Though there are messianic prophecies yet to be completed, Jesus’ first advent fulfilled divine oracles regarding His heritage, birthplace, life, death and resurrection. In His teachings, Jesus left no doubt that He came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets (5:17; Luke 24:27, 44–48).

This week’s lesson focuses on Jesus, religious leaders and the Law. Jesus counts the Law as authoritative and He communicates the commandments with personal authority unmatched by the scribes and Pharisees. Later in the sermon, Jesus repeatedly makes references to the Pharisees and their religious practices (6:3, 5, 16). Elsewhere in Matthew, Jesus refers to these religious leaders as hypocrites (15:1–7; 22:15–18; 23:13, 15, 23, 25, 27, 29).

Look to the Scriptures (17–20)

According to our text, Jesus held to verbal plenary inspiration of Scripture. Every word, every stroke of the letter of the Law was given by God and would be fulfilled by Jesus (5:18).

Jesus focused on the elders, scribes and Pharisees; these were men held in high esteem because of their great knowledge and practical understanding of the Scriptures. If anyone knew the commandments — all 613 of them in the Law, it would be these men. If anyone made a point to live according to the Law — it would be them. How could anyone surpass the righteousness of these well-educated, holy men? This was Jesus’ point. No one except Jesus, “God with us,” could keep the Law perfectly. Only He could fulfill the Law and the Prophets.

Value Human Life (21–22)

Jesus began to address specific methods of the experts in the Law. The elders had a practice of discussing the written Law, quoting rabbis from previous generations. This oral Law made its way into written form; the first of the official rabbinic writings was known as the “Mishnah.” Unlike the elders of His day, Jesus communicated directly that the Law applies to thoughts (“angry with his brother”), words (“says to his brother, ‘Fool’”) and deeds (“be reconciled with your brother”). For more than actions alone we are accountable to God for our attitudes as well.

Human life is a blessing from God. Murder is the intentional ending of human life without cause, and the lawful consequence for murder was capital punishment (Gen. 9:6; Ex. 21:12; Lev. 24:17). Those who entertain murderous thoughts, utter murderous words and intentionally take human life are answerable to God.

Love Beyond Expectations (43–45)

These verses and those that immediately precede them record Jesus instructing to extend grace rather than to exact justice. Instead of pulling teeth and gouging out eyes the Master taught to do the unexpected. If a soldier lawfully compelled you to carry his sack from one mile marker to the next, then carry it a second. Surrender more than you are being sued for. When struck in the face, turn the other cheek. Give without expecting repayment.

Love is to be the compelling motivation for disciples’ thoughts, words and deeds. Out of gratitude for God’s grace and mercy toward us, we are to love those who stand against us and pray for those who falsely accuse us, make us the punchline of their jokes, marginalize us politically or socially, classify our Holy Scriptures as hate speech and intend to persecute and prosecute us. They have no defense against our prayers and Christ’s unconditional love. They may receive it or reject it but they cannot ignore it.