“¹⁷Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” – Matthew 5:17 (ESV)

When reading this verse it may seem a bit confusing when not placed with the right context. You see, “Law” here is referring to the words and teachings like the law of thermodynamics or the law of gravity as opposed to law in the legal sense. These laws are what keep things going and are not able to change. Jesus came to this world not to refute the words and teachings, but to affirm and fulfill them. He proved them correct.

Think about the law of gravity or other sciences. We submit to them every day and where there are those who are out in the world working to prove them wrong, even they obey the law until it is proven wrong. The same goes for the Law of the LORD. People, even I will push the limits in an effort to prove it wrong, but will fall back into obedience when I realize that it is not wrong.

I am not so smart that I can refute the Law of the LORD. I can try, but the LORD is way more smarter than me (yes I know it used incorrect grammar). The same goes for those around with Jesus. There were those who knew the Law of the LORD but even then, they would bend it to fulfill their own will as opposed to allowing it to stand on its own and fulfill the will of the LORD. These “educated” peoples were smart in the knowing of the words and concepts of the Law, yet they were constantly working to undermine it for their own benefit.

“²⁰For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:20 (ESV)

I and we are to know and understand the Law of the LORD and as such are to use it to fulfill the will of the LORD and not our own. It is not about me and you, it is about the LORD. His Law should be the law of the land and our driving force in this land. We are here for and at His pleasure and not our own. It is not about being smart, but rather being obedient to the Law of the LORD and that is where we get glory. We give honor to the Law of the LORD and in return, we are honored by Him.

What is your view of the Law? Are you here using it for your benefit? What if you were to honor it and know that in return, we will be honored by the LORD?