Big Idea - The sermon on the mount gives us a summary or example of the main content of Jesus’ teaching - what we are to practice and teach others to obey as disciples. So, what are we to obey, what are His commands? By the time Matthew was writing His Gospel, a huge debate had arisen regarding the relationship of the Church and the New Covenant with the Law and the Old Covenant. Did Jesus toss out the Law of Moses because it was of no value, or somehow defective? Or, did Jesus uphold the Law? Jesus makes clear that He holds all of the OT all the Law and the Prophets as authoritative and true. It all must be followed down to the smallest character. But, that does not mean Jesus did not radically alter how we think about and deal with the commandments in the OT. The key word in this passage is the word “fulfill.” The law cannot be changed but it can be fulfilled. When it is fulfilled is it is no longer necessary, not because it is not true or important but because it has fulfilled its purpose.
