And Jesus said, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill." Listening to the questioning of a nominee for the Supreme Count of the United States, she was asked if she intended to abolish or change laws by her interpretations. It is a question that many nations have faced, and an issue that is broached in the Gospels.
Jesus was accused of abolishing the law and the commandments God handed down to Moses. However, Jesus assured His detractors that He had no intention of changing anything, rather His intent was to fulfill those laws and commandments. And in doing so, He would draw out the hidden richness that they contained.
It was reasonable to expect this from the Son of God.
Our God reigns, our God walks with us, our God talks to us. He is certainly able to interpret the law, and the commandments, all of which are His creation.
To understand Jesus and His desire to fulfill the law, one needs to understand a human relationship; when one strives to get close to someone they love. There are the first moments, but in time more is revealed, more is discovered.
God’s law and commandments are the same.
At face value they are known, but it is only with the passage of time that they are fully understood, with all their nuances and possibilities. Love is not static, and God’s laws and commandments are not static.
Moses reminded his listeners that obedience to the law and the commandments is a precondition if his people were to enter the promised land. It is the same for us today.
As Jesus said, He did not abolish anything; rather He came to fulfill. He infused the law and commandments with love.
In coming among us, Jesus wanted to be close to us. In being close to us, He gave his heart to the laws and commandments. The same commandments that God, His Father, gave to Moses.
When two people in love give their hearts to each other, that love expands, takes on new meaning, and reveals hidden pearls that serve to bring additional joy and hope to each person.
When Jesus spoke of fulfilling laws and commandments, He was aware that God’s print was on them, and therefore could bring forth new meaning.
God’s words are spirit and life. Just as God’s laws and commandments are spirit and life. God's words will forever fulfill and not abolish.
Amen.
