The Fulfillment of the Law in the Person and Teaching of Jesus

When Jesus said in Matthew 5:17, “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill,” He declared His divine role as the ultimate interpreter and accomplisher of Jehovah’s moral and prophetic revelation. The Law and the Prophets were not to be replaced or discarded, but to reach their intended goal in Him. In the following verses, Matthew 5:21–48, Jesus presents six profound contrasts—often referred to as the “antitheses”—that demonstrate how He fulfills the Law by revealing its spiritual depth and moral perfection.

These six statements are not contradictions of Moses but corrections of human misinterpretations propagated by the scribes and Pharisees. Jesus pierces beyond superficial obedience to expose the condition of the heart. Through this, He reveals that true righteousness—the kind required to enter the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 5:20)—is not merely external conformity but inward transformation according to Jehovah’s holy standards.

Murder and the Inner Disposition (Matthew 5:21–26)

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder,’ and whoever murders will be subject to judgment. But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.”

The Law in Exodus 20:13 prohibited the unlawful taking of human life. The scribes had reduced this command to its external act, suggesting that one could harbor hatred and resentment so long as he did not physically kill. Jesus, however, exposes that the seed of murder lies within the human heart. Anger without cause, contemptuous speech, or slanderous words such as “Raca” (a term of insult meaning “empty-headed”) and “fool” are violations of the Law’s spirit.

Jesus teaches that the moral weight of murder begins long before the outward act. The command to reconcile quickly (verses 23–24) underscores that worship of Jehovah cannot be genuine when accompanied by unresolved animosity. True righteousness requires peace with others as an expression of one’s peace with God. The urgency of reconciliation is emphasized by the warning to “settle matters quickly” (verses 25–26), for unresolved anger not only brings earthly strife but divine judgment.

By internalizing the sixth commandment, Jesus fulfills the Law’s intention—condemning not just murder, but the hatred and bitterness that produce it.

Adultery and Purity of Heart (Matthew 5:27–30)

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

The seventh commandment (Exodus 20:14) was often interpreted by the religious leaders in a narrow, physical sense. Jesus extends the commandment’s scope to include inward lust. The act of looking with intent to desire is itself moral corruption in the heart, even if no physical adultery occurs. Jesus thus teaches that sexual purity is not a matter of avoiding acts alone but also of guarding the eyes and thoughts.

His vivid hyperbole—plucking out the right eye or cutting off the right hand (verses 29–30)—conveys the radical nature of repentance and self-control required to maintain moral purity. The “right” side represented what was most precious or useful; thus, Jesus calls for decisive action to remove whatever tempts one to sin. It is better to lose something valuable than to forfeit one’s moral integrity and spiritual life.

In this teaching, Jesus fulfills the Law by magnifying its true intent: to cultivate holiness not only in deeds but in desires.

Divorce and the Sanctity of Marriage (Matthew 5:31–32)

“It was said, ‘Whoever sends his wife away is to give her a certificate of divorce’; but I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except for the reason of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery.”

In the Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 24:1–4), the certificate of divorce was a protective measure for the woman, ensuring legal recognition of her status. However, by Jesus’ time, the Pharisees had trivialized this provision, permitting divorce for trivial causes. The rabbinic schools of Hillel and Shammai debated the meaning of “indecency,” with the former allowing almost any cause.

Jesus restores marriage to Jehovah’s original design in Genesis 2:24, where man and woman become one flesh. He affirms that marriage is a sacred covenant meant for permanence. Only sexual immorality (porneia), referring to acts of marital unfaithfulness, constitutes legitimate grounds for divorce. To divorce for any other reason results in moral guilt for both parties, for it disrupts the union ordained by God.

By upholding the sanctity of marriage, Jesus fulfills the Law’s purpose—to preserve the purity, fidelity, and permanence of the marital bond.

Oaths and Truthful Speech (Matthew 5:33–37)

“You have also heard that the ancients were told, ‘You shall not make false vows, but shall fulfill your vows to the Lord.’ But I say to you, make no oath at all.”

Under the Law, oaths were permitted but strictly regulated (Leviticus 19:12; Numbers 30:2). They were to be made truthfully, invoking Jehovah’s name as a solemn witness. Yet in Jesus’ day, the religious leaders had devised intricate systems of oaths to evade honesty. For example, swearing “by the temple” was not binding, but swearing “by the gold of the temple” was considered obligatory (Matthew 23:16–22).

Jesus condemns this manipulation and commands simple, transparent truthfulness: “Let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no.’” The believer’s speech must be consistently trustworthy, making oaths unnecessary. Anything beyond this, Jesus says, “is from the evil one.” The integrity of one’s word reflects the character of Jehovah, who cannot lie (Titus 1:2).

Thus, Jesus fulfills the Law by abolishing deceptive distinctions and demanding integrity of heart and speech.

Retaliation and the Spirit of Grace (Matthew 5:38–42)

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I say to you, do not resist the one who is evil.”

The lex talionis (“law of retaliation”) found in Exodus 21:24, Leviticus 24:20, and Deuteronomy 19:21 was intended to limit vengeance, ensuring that punishment matched the offense. However, the Pharisees had twisted this judicial principle into a justification for personal revenge.

Jesus calls His followers to renounce retaliation altogether, demonstrating mercy and patience instead. His examples—turning the other cheek, yielding one’s cloak, going the second mile, and giving to those who ask—illustrate a heart that values grace over justice in personal relationships. Turning the other cheek symbolizes restraint and forgiveness; going the extra mile (a reference to Roman impressment laws) demonstrates a willingness to endure injustice for the sake of peace.

Jesus does not negate civil justice but calls individuals to relinquish vengeance and embody the mercy of God. He fulfills the Law by instilling in His followers the heart of Jehovah—slow to anger, abundant in loving-kindness.

Love for Enemies and the Perfection of the Father (Matthew 5:43–48)

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

The Law commanded love for one’s neighbor (Leviticus 19:18), but the Pharisees had corrupted this command by implying that hatred toward enemies was acceptable. Jesus corrects this distortion, commanding His disciples to love and pray for their enemies. This love is not mere sentiment but deliberate goodwill expressed through prayer and action.

By doing so, believers reflect the moral likeness of their Heavenly Father, who “causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Jehovah’s benevolence is impartial and gracious, extending to all people.

Jesus concludes this section with the command, “Therefore you are to be perfect, as your Heavenly Father is perfect.” The Greek word teleios here means complete or mature. Believers are called to imitate God’s perfection in love, mercy, and holiness, not in sinless omnipotence. This perfection represents the moral wholeness that comes from a heart aligned with the will of Jehovah.

The Fulfilled Law: Internal Righteousness and Divine Character

In these six teachings, Jesus fulfills the Law by internalizing it—shifting the focus from external observance to internal righteousness. Murder, adultery, divorce, deceit, vengeance, and hatred all arise from corrupted hearts. Jesus exposes sin at its root and calls His followers to a righteousness surpassing that of the scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 5:20).

Through His teaching, Jesus does not annul the Law but completes it—revealing its divine depth, establishing its spiritual intent, and directing His followers toward conformity with the character of Jehovah Himself. The Law’s purpose was never to produce legalists, but to point humanity to the holiness of God, the need for repentance, and ultimately, the redemptive work of Christ.

By living in perfect obedience, Jesus embodies the fulfillment of the Law. By His teaching, He transforms His disciples from mere keepers of commandments into bearers of divine love. The Law reaches its completion in Him—its moral essence written upon the hearts of those who follow Him in faith and obedience.

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