The King Who Fulfills the Law
Many people of Jesus’ day wondered what Jesus thought about the Old Testament Law. Was He throwing it out and starting something completely new? In Matthew 5:17-20, Jesus gives a clear answer: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”
Jesus came to complete the Law, to perfectly obey it, and to reveal its deepest meaning. The Pharisees were experts at external rule-keeping, but Jesus said our righteousness must exceed theirs. This sounds impossible, and in our own strength, it is.
The good news is that Jesus didn’t just interpret the Law, He lived it perfectly. He fulfilled everything the Law pointed toward, especially our need for a Saviour. True righteousness that exceeds the scribes and Pharisees comes not by striving but by faith in Him. It flows from love for God: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15).
The entire Law is summed up in love: love for God and love for others. Jesus didn’t lower the standard; He raised it from outward behaviour to inward heart transformation. The Law of the Kingdom, therefore, is the Law of Love.
This should humble us. We cannot achieve perfect righteousness on our own. But the One who fulfilled the Law offers His righteousness to us as a gift. He then empowers us by His Spirit to live out the heart of the Law, which is love.
If you feel exposed by God’s high standard today, run to Christ. The King who perfectly fulfilled the Law invites you to receive His righteousness and walk in His love.
Lord Jesus, thank You for fulfilling the Law on my behalf. I receive Your righteousness by faith. Teach me to love You and others as You have loved me. Amen.