What Jesus had to say about Biblical law is an important topic for all believers to know about! What did the Living Word say about the Written Word? Did he speak against it? Did he find it impossibly antiquated and oppressive? Did Jesus fulfill the law, or do away with it? The answers to these questions will prove to be surprising to some, but first we need to see which law the Messiah is talking about in these verses.
What law does Jesus refer to?
The Messiah often spoke of the commandments of God that were given in the Old Testament. These are also referred to as Biblical law, Mosaic law, the law of Moses, book of the covenant, or Torah. The ten commandments are part of Biblical law, but not all of it. This is the law he is referencing in the Scriptures this post will cover.
When he clashed with religious leaders, it was over what Jesus called, "your law." These would be manmade laws and traditions that the Pharisees and Scribes of the time held to be more important than Biblical law. We will not be looking at these passages in this post.
This post covers what the Messiah said about Biblical law, the commandments of his father.
How do we know that Jesus's law is the same as God's?
Because he tells us this! Verses like: I have come not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me (John 6:38), I and the Father are one (John 10:30), Whatever the Father does, the son does likewise (John 5:19), all speak to the Messiah and the Living God being on the exact same page. We also have Jesus's point-blank statement of, "I did not come to destroy the law."
In light of statements like this, it would make no sense for Jesus to create his own version of Biblical law. He never said he was creating his own law or doing away with the commandments. When he referred to his laws, they always fit with commandments and directions already given in the Old Testament.
Here's what Jesus said about Biblical law:
"If you will enter into life, keep the Torah commandments." -Matthew 19:17
"Blessed are those who hear the word of YHWH and put it into practice." -Luke 11:28
"The weightier matters of law need to be done, without neglecting the smaller matters." -Matthew 23:23, Luke 11:42
"Whoever breaks the least of these commands shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven." - Matthew 5:19
"Whatever Moses says, guard and do." -Matthew 23:3
"Do not think that I came to destroy the law or Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to complete." -Matthew 5:17
"It is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the Torah to fall." -Luke 16:31
"If you do these words of mine, you are wise..." -Mathew 7:24
"If you love me you shall guard my commands." -John 14:14
More about Jesus and Biblical law:
Did the Messiah Fulfill the Law? Understanding Matthew 5:17
The Three Types of Laws in Scripture
Did the Messiah Break the Law?
