What was Law?

In Matthew 5, the “Law” refers primarily to the Law of Moses, known in Hebrew as the Torah (תּוֹרָה), meaning “instruction” or “teaching.” In Greek, the word is νόμος (nomos), denoting a rule or standard. Jesus’ reference to “the Law” in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:17-20) encompasses not only the written commandments of the Old Testament—especially the first five books—but also the moral and covenantal expectations God placed upon His people. It is central to Jewish life and identity and forms the foundational backdrop for understanding Christ’s mission and message.

Where is “Law” found in Scripture?

The Law is explicitly mentioned throughout the Old Testament, especially in:

• Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy (e.g., Exodus 20 for the Ten Commandments)

• Matthew 5:17-20 — Jesus declares: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”

• Psalm 19:7 — “The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul.”

• Romans 3:31, Romans 7:12 — Paul affirms the goodness and purpose of the law.

Cross-references also include:

• Galatians 3:24 — The Law as a “guardian” leading us to Christ

• Hebrews 10:1 — The Law as a shadow of good things to come

• Jeremiah 31:33 — The promise of the Law written on hearts in the new covenant

What happened in the Bible?

In Matthew 5, Jesus addresses widespread misunderstandings of the Law. Many religious leaders emphasized external observance while neglecting the heart of God’s commands. Jesus, however, clarifies that He did not come to discard the Law, but to fulfill it—by fully obeying it, completing its purpose, and revealing its true intent.

He intensifies the Law’s demands by internalizing its commands. For instance, refraining from murder is not enough—harboring anger is also condemned (Matthew 5:21-22). Likewise, adultery begins in the heart (Matthew 5:27-28). Jesus emphasizes righteousness that surpasses that of the Pharisees (Matthew 5:20), not by adding rules, but by exposing the Law’s deeper moral purpose: to lead to holiness through a changed heart.

What does it mean for today’s Christians?

For Christians today, the Law is not discarded, but fulfilled in Christ. The moral law—rooted in God’s character—still applies. However, believers are not justified by keeping the Law, but by faith in Jesus, who kept the Law perfectly (Romans 10:4; Galatians 2:16).

The Law continues to function in three key ways:

1. Mirror: It reveals human sin and the need for a Savior (Romans 3:20).

2. Restraint: It acts as a boundary for society and individual behavior.

3. Guide: For believers, it guides sanctified living—not as a condition for salvation, but as a grateful response to it (Romans 8:4).

How does the Law point to Jesus and the Gospel?

The Law exposes our inability to meet God’s holy standards. Jesus alone obeyed the Law perfectly and bore the penalty for our failure. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He fulfilled the Law’s demands and made a way for sinners to be declared righteous apart from works.

• Jesus is the true Law-keeper (Matthew 5:17).

• He is our righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21).

• In Him, the curse of the Law is removed (Galatians 3:13).

Through union with Christ, the believer is no longer under the condemnation of the Law but is empowered to live out its righteous requirements by the Spirit (Romans 8:1-4).

Broader Biblical Themes

Covenant

The Law was given as part of the Mosaic Covenant, calling Israel to be a holy nation. But it pointed to a new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34), in which God would write His laws on hearts and forgive sins through a once-for-all sacrifice—fulfilled in Jesus.

Holiness and Justice

The Law reflects God’s holiness, justice, and goodness. It teaches that God cares about both our actions and our intentions. The Law’s sacrificial system foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

Grace and Truth

John 1:17 captures the tension and fulfillment: “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” The Law and the Gospel are not enemies, but companions: the Law shows our need, the Gospel meets that need.

Reflection Questions

1. In what ways has the Law shown you your need for a Savior?

2. How does understanding Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law shape your view of obedience?

3. Do you tend to reduce God’s commandments to outward actions, or do you consider the heart behind them?

4. How can the moral principles of the Law guide your daily walk with Christ?

5. How can we reflect God’s holiness in a world that often rejects His standards?