The man of St Matthew

THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT

Fulfilling the Law: Mt 5,17-20

We now come to a key statement in the Sermon and in the Gospel as in these four verses Jesus states and fixes his teaching within the traditions of Judaism. This will then be followed by six examples which develop the theme. Law therefore as understood by the prophets is key. Law in the Gospel though is rather different to our understanding of law as rules and regulations. The other key words here in these verses are fulfill and righteous.

What does verse 17 say exactly? Compare it with 7,12.
How are we to understand the Law? See for example Jeremiah 34,33. Or some verses from Psalm 119, dedicated to the celebration of the Law: 33-34.64.97-98.124.171.

Jesus he has come instead to fulfil. What does "fulfil" mean? Look at how we have seen the word used several times in the first two chapters (1,22; 2,15.17) as well as in the important verse 3,15.

Does verse 18 permit of any compromise? Note the solemn introduction and the solemn statement that follows. Jesus here refers to the smallest letter and to a punctuation mark in Greek, usually paraphrased in translation.
In verse 19, note the repeated word. There were greater and lesser commandments in the Torah. The Ten Commandments for example would be greater. The importance of the kingdom of heaven which we have just seen in the beatitudes is then highlighted.
Reflect upon what Jesus is insisting in verses 18 and 19.

Verse 20 brings this to a conclusion with a call to his own disciples. How does this develop verse 19?
Jesus speaks of the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees. For more about that, take a look at chapter 23, especially the opening verses.
Consider therefore the importance of what Jesus is saying to his followers in these verses.

Look now at my response.

The Sunday Gospel

These verses are read on the 6th Sunday with the verses that follow. We will look at this Sunday Gospel with the next stage of the chapter.

We can now move on to that stage, reading the first part of the statements which are commonly known as the Antitheses, Mt 5,21-32.