He Has Set His Affection On Us

Reflections from the Gospels - I Haven’t Come To Abolish The Law

In Matthew 5:17, Jesus says, ”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. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.”

What’s interesting to me is that if you read through the Sermon on the Mount, it does seem like Jesus is abolishing the law since He’s giving all new laws. But He isn’t. (Because Jesus doesn’t lie and neither does Scripture.) Jesus came to fulfill what the law was after - a righteousness that we couldn’t attain on our own. Hence, the need and reason for Jesus to come. So, he adds to the law. Now it’s not simply about actions, but also the heart. No longer is just an outward commitment enough, but He is requiring a heart commitment. He doesn’t just want our deeds, but he desires our heart. The law produced religion. Jesus wants our love. 

In a Christian community it is very easy to get caught up in the law of things. I am required to be in the prayer room. I am required to read and memorize Scripture. I am required to read books about Jesus. I am required to go to teaching sessions. And if I’m not careful, I am no different than the Pharisees. Outwardly doing all of these things, but on the inside dying. 

This has been my prayer, that in all of my “requirements” my heart would be there too. That it wouldn’t be just another responsibility, but that there would be joy and excitement in my heart to spend time with Jesus, worshiping Him, adoring Him and learning about Him. 

In all of our outward works of love, let us not forget the thing Jesus cares about most, that our hearts would be alive and filled with love. 

24 October 2011 ·

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