Matthew shared how Jesus was “baptized” and “tempted” by the “devil”, and he shared how “angels” ministered to Him afterward. Jesus heard that John the Baptist was thrown into prison, and He left His hometown to dwell in “Capernaum” where He began His ministry. Jesus began to preach saying, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”, and He called Peter, Andrew, James and John to be His followers. As Jesus' fame spread throughout Galilee many others were gathered unto Him. Jesus shared the “beatitudes” and how those who believe in Him will be “persecuted for righteousness sake”, and they are “blessed” by God for enduring. Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth: but if the salt has lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is therefore good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven”, and in chapter five and verse seventeen of his book, Matthew shared how Jesus said He did not come, “to destroy the law, or the prophets” where we read:
Think not
that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets:
I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.
The verse reads, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets:” Matthew began with the words, “think not” which means “do not deem, suppose or regard” “that I am come” which means “that Jesus has appeared, arisen and come forth” “to destroy” or “to abolish, dissolve, disunite or demolish” “the law” which means “the rule producing a state approved of God”, “or the prophets” which refers to “ones who were moved by the Spirit of God and hence his organ or spokesman and solemnly declare to men what they have received by inspiration especially concerning future events and in particular such as relate to the cause and kingdom of God and to human salvation”. Jesus wanted His disciples to know that He did not “come” to “abolish” the “law of God” or anything the “prophets” proclaimed.
The verse continues, “I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.” Matthew added the words, “I am not come” which means “Jesus did not appear, arise and come forth” “to destroy“ or “to abolish, dissolve, disunite or demolish” “but to fulfill” which means “rather and moreover to make full, complete and consummate”. Jesus told His disciples that He came to “complete and fill up” the “law and the prophets” not to “demolish and disunite” it.
When we consider Matthew's words in this verse, we see how Jesus “came” not to abolish the “law and the prophets”, but to “fulfill” their very purposes. Some may have thought Jesus was going to “remove” the “law” and everything the “prophets” had to say, but His purpose was to “complete and consummate” it. Jesus came to “save” people from their sins, and as the “Messiah” fulfilling all the “law” and the prophesies concerning Him, Jesus is the only One who can. May all who read these words know that Jesus is the “fulfillment” of the “law and the prophets”, and those who put their trust and faith in Him shall live with Him forever and ever.
Next time Jesus shares, “till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book
“Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the
marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the
Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms
Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County"
in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com
; http://www.barnesandnobles.com
; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
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