Jesus Fulfilling the Law

Text: Matthew 5:18-20

Compiled by: J.A.O. Vergara | September 2024

The Law and The Kingdom of God

Expository Sermon: The Importance of Fulfilling the Law

Introduction

In Matthew 5:18-20, Jesus is speaking to a crowd of disciples and others who have gathered to hear him. He is teaching them about the nature of the Kingdom of God and the requirements for entering it. In these verses, Jesus makes a profound statement about the importance of fulfilling the law.

I. The Law as the Foundation of the Kingdom

• Greek word: νόμος (nomos) - law

• Cross-reference: Deuteronomy 5:1-22

• Jesus emphasizes that the law is the foundation upon which the Kingdom of God is built. It is the standard of righteousness that God has set for humanity.

II. The Law as a Guide for Righteous Living

• Greek word: δίκαιος (dikaios) - righteous

• Cross-reference: Romans 2:13

• The law provides a clear guide for righteous living. It teaches us what is right and wrong, and it helps us to discern God's will for our lives.

III. The Law as a Means of Salvation

• Greek word: σωτηρία (sōtēria) - salvation

• Cross-reference: Galatians 3:24

• While the law cannot save us on its own, it serves as a means of salvation by revealing our sinfulness and pointing us to Jesus Christ as the only source of true righteousness.

IV. The Law as a Challenge to Our Sinfulness

• Greek word: παραβαίνω (parabaīnō) - to transgress

• Cross-reference: Romans 7:18-25

• The law challenges our sinfulness and exposes our inability to keep it perfectly. This realization should drive us to repentance and trust in Christ.

V. The Law as a Call to Obedience

• Greek word: ποιέω (poiēō) - to do

• Cross-reference: John 14:15

• Jesus calls us to obey the law as a demonstration of our love for him and as a sign of our discipleship.

Exposition of Verse 20

• "For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven." 

This verse is a challenging one, but it is important to understand that Jesus is not saying that we must be perfect in order to enter the Kingdom of God. Rather, he is calling us to a higher standard of righteousness than that of the religious leaders of his day. The scribes and Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to the law, but they often missed the point of the law by focusing on the outward appearance of righteousness rather than the inward reality.

Jesus is calling us to a deeper level of righteousness that is rooted in love for God and neighbor. It is a righteousness that is not merely about following rules but about living a life that reflects the character of God.

Additional Key Points from Matthew 5:20

1. The Importance of Inward Righteousness

• Cross-reference: Matthew 23:25-28

• Jesus emphasizes that true righteousness is not merely about outward appearances but about inward transformation. The scribes and Pharisees were known for their meticulous observance of the law, but they often lacked the inner character that is essential for true righteousness.

2. The Need to Exceed the Standards of the Religious Elite

• Cross-reference: Luke 16:16

• Jesus is calling his followers to a higher standard of righteousness than that of the religious leaders of his day. This doesn't mean that we need to be perfect, but it does mean that we must strive to live according to God's highest standards.

3. The Danger of Legalism

• Cross-reference: Galatians 5:1-6

• By focusing too much on the outward observance of the law, the scribes and Pharisees had become legalistic. They had missed the point of the law by making it a burden rather than a blessing.

4. The Necessity of Love

• Cross-reference: Matthew 22:36-40

• Jesus teaches that the greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. True righteousness is rooted in love, not in mere obedience to rules.

5. The Call to Discipleship

• Cross-reference: Matthew 16:24

• By calling his followers to a higher standard of righteousness, Jesus is also calling them to a deeper level of discipleship. He is inviting them to follow him not just in name but in reality.

Conclusion

The law plays a vital role in the teachings of the Churches of Christ. It is the foundation of the Kingdom of God, a guide for righteous living, a means of salvation, a challenge to our sinfulness, and a call to obedience. By understanding the importance of the law and striving to live according to its principles, we can grow in our relationship with God and be prepared for the Kingdom to come.

Matthew 5:20 is a challenging verse, but it is important to understand that Jesus is not setting an impossible standard. He is calling us to a higher level of righteousness that is rooted in love for God and neighbor. By striving to live according to this standard, we can grow in our relationship with God and be prepared for the Kingdom of heaven.