Scripture

“I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved.”

Observation

Jesus did not come to abolish the law but to fulfil it. Until heaven and earth disappear, then not even the smallest detail of God’s law will pass away, until its purpose is accomplished.

We must not ignore the commandments or teach others to do so. To enter the kingdom of heaven takes a righteousness greater than that of the Pharisees.

Application

This is one of those passages that we can approach from a number of angles.

The phrase “until heaven and earth disappear” might refer to the literal end of the earth. It might also be a metaphor for the end of the age of Israel or the end of the Old covenant.

Jesus is telling His Jewish followers that they must obey the Law to its ultimate conclusion in that present age. For them this then raises the question “Who can be saved?”

If is is a literal end of the earth that Jesus is talking about, He is not saying that we who are Gentiles must obey the least commandment of the Law. Christ has fulfilled the Law on our behalf. He is the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world.

When we put our faith in Christ, He pronounces us “Not guilty.” He can do this because He is the law giver and the law keeper.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, you are the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. Thank you for taking away my sin and for fulfilling the law n my behalf. Amen.