Jesus Fulfilled the Law: What does that mean?

by Stephanie A. Mayberry

Let’s talk about Matthew 5:18.

One of the most bicker evoking verses in the Bible between Torah Keepers and non-Torah keepers is Matthew 5:18.

For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

The non-Torah keepers argue that the word “fulfilled” means finished or done away with. They use this single verse to “prove” that we are no longer under the law because Jesus did away with it.

They focus on that single verse and fail to delve deeper by reading just a little further.

Because if you read further you will see that that isn’t the case at all.

What does fulfilled actually mean?

Just like many words, “fulfilled” can have several meanings. It can indeed mean to do away with or finish. However, it can also have other meanings as we will see here.

So, what did Jesus mean when He said he came to “fulfill” the law?

In order to determine that you have to do a little critical thinking and some study. You have two very powerful tools at your disposal here: logic and context.

Let’s look at logic first.

Scripture tells us that God does not change. This means that His word does not change. How do we know this?

• James 1:17 – God does not vary or change
• Psalm 102:25-27 – God will not pass away or change, and his years will have no end
• Malachi 3:6 – The Lord (Yahovah) does not change
• Hebrews 13:8 – Messiah (Jesus) is the same yesterday and today and forever
• Numbers 23:19 – God does not change His mind
• Isaiah 40:8 – The word of God stands forever

That’s pretty compelling evidence.

So, since we know this about the NATURE OF GOD, we can deduce that it is highly unlikely that He would change His mind about keeping Sabbath (and the Feasts) when scripture clearly says we are to keep them FOREVER.

Now we move on to context. Read beyond verse 18 and you will see that Jesus provides several illustrations for what He means.

What Jesus really meant when He said fulfill the law.

Jesus was not saying that He was doing away with the law or finishing it; but He was actually deepening it or extending it.

Look at His examples of murder and adultery. He did not in any way do away with those laws. He deepened them.

The law says do not commit adultery. Jesus deepened that law by extending it to include that looking at a woman with lust constitutes adultery.

He took several laws and took them to a whole other level.

He fulfilled them.

Read it for yourself and you will see. Study to show yourself approved.

Shalom

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