Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Matthew 5:21-24

As we continue to look at Jesus’ teachings here in Matthew 5, it’s obvious that Christ has given us a reinterpretation of the Mosaic Law. Many believe the Beatitudes are really a reinterpretation of the Ten Commandments. But here Jesus is given us an illustration of the physical law and how it applies to our spiritual life also. 

As we all know, it’s a sin to kill somebody, most people would know this even if they didn’t know the Ten Commandments. However Jesus takes this to another level, anyone who is angry with someone is equivalent to physical murder. Yikes! As we can all imagine, we are all guilty of this. We all get angry with people from time to time, some people even have anger issues, this is not taken lightly in the Kingdom of God. 

If anyone calls someone “a fool” or stupid is in danger of Hell Fire. As you see Jesus is taking the Mosaic Law to a new level. What is his point? That sin begins in the heart, its not just your actions that are sins, it’s also your thoughts and ideas. Jesus makes it clear we are all sinners and in need of God’s grace!

Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing. Matthew 5:25-26

Resolve all conflicts with everyone, as Jesus said “Don’t come to the altar until you reconcile with your brother” We can’t expect God to be accepting of our worship if we have strife remaining between us. Don’t let anger and rage sow seeds of sin in your heart. Forgive your brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, and children, let the peace of Christ rule your heart not sin

So you still think Christianity is easy? Jesus is taking the Law to the next level, the good news is we are forgiven and justified by the atonement of Jesus Christ! Amen!

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 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. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:17-20

One of the most misunderstood aspects of the New Covenant is Jesus’ fulfillment of The Mosaic Law. As Jesus said “ I have not come to destroy The Law but to Fulfill” Even though Jesus’ statement seems pretty straight forward, that Christ came to fulfill the Law, there are many Christians who have still put themselves under The Law and are trying to Keep the Law themselves. As the Apostle James says “Whoever Keeps The Whole Law yet stumbles at just one point, is guilty of breaking the entire Law” (James 2:10)

What is the Apostle James saying? It’s impossible to “Keep The Law” , if it were possible to Keep The Law we would have no need for a Savior, there would be no need for Christ to die on the cross. But understand we have all fallen short, we are all sinners (Romans 3:23) and need Jesus Christ to fulfill The Law for us to be declared righteous before God (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Jesus says the same thing in verse 19 “ Whoever breaks one of these least commandments shall be called least in the Kingdom of God” This is parallel with what Jesus is teaching “Whoever breaks any of the commandments breaks the entire Law” You need to understand your sinful state, your wretchedness, you can’t work or earn your way into Heaven. Only  by faith in Jesus Christ can you inherit the Kingdom of God. 

For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. Hebrews 10:1

So what is the purpose of The Law if Christ fulfilled it? The Law is God’s nature, it’s a shadow and reflection of Christ and Gods standards we need to live by. If there was no Gods Law, then there would be no standard for morality, as we are all judged by The Law. However the Law is also a mirror for us to reflect upon to see our sinful nature (James 1) Only Christ can fulfill The Law as “Nobody is “Good” except God alone” (Mark 10:18)

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. Romans 10:4

The Apostle Paul sums it up well, “Christ is the end of the Law to all that believe in Christ” If you want to be saved put your faith in Jesus Christ, if you want sanctification put your faith in Jesus Christ, if you want to be declared righteous before God put your faith in Jesus Christ. It’s only by Christ alone you can be saved because Jesus fulfilled The Law, Amen!