Opening Your Bible
Loading study tools and insights...
LOADING
Loading study tools and insights...
Loading study tools and insights...
Matthew 5:17 (BSB)
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.
THE HOLY BIBLE
ListenListen · Chapter audio
Hear this chapter read aloud — the verse you’re on highlights as the reading moves forward.
Chapter read aloud · verse highlights follow along
Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“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.” — Matthew 5:17
In this moment, Jesus is really clear: He's not here to toss out the old rules or the messages from the prophets. Instead, He’s saying He’s here to bring them to full life, to show what they were really meant for! Imagine someone opening a treasure chest and revealing the most beautiful, sparkling gems inside. That’s what Jesus is doing here—showing that there’s so much more to these teachings than just following rules. He’s inviting you to see the depth and purpose behind everything that came before Him.
This book was written by Matthew, one of Jesus’ closest followers. Matthew was a tax collector, which made him an outsider in his society. He understood what it felt like to be on the margins, and he wanted to show that Jesus came for everyone, not just the religious elite. By including this detail about fulfilling the Law, Matthew highlights Jesus’ mission to connect people back to the heart of God, emphasizing that it’s not about strict rules but about a relationship. His perspective is like a friend sharing a life-changing story after experiencing something amazing.
Matthew was writing in a world under Roman rule, where the Jewish people were feeling the weight of oppression and longing for hope. This was a time when many were confused about their faith and the old laws. By emphasizing that Jesus came to fulfill the Law, Matthew is speaking directly to a community that needed reassurance. He’s saying, 'Hey, this isn’t about throwing out what you’ve always known; it’s about breathing new life into it!' This historical backdrop helps us understand the urgency and significance of Jesus’ message.
This verse matters today because it reminds you that the teachings of the past are not just outdated rules; they have a purpose and a life-giving essence! In a world where people often feel lost or disconnected, knowing that there’s a deeper meaning behind the laws can be refreshing. It’s an invitation to explore spirituality not as a set of restrictions but as a journey towards understanding love, compassion, and purpose. This verse tells you that you can find meaning in the old while embracing the new, which is powerful for your own life and relationships.
This week, take a moment to reflect on some of the values or teachings you’ve learned in your life—maybe from family, friends, or even from your own experiences. Instead of seeing them as just rules, think about what they truly mean and how they can guide you to live a more fulfilled life. Perhaps you can pick one teaching and find a way to express it in a new, loving action—like being extra kind to someone or standing up for what’s right. Let those teachings come alive in your actions!
Leading up to this moment, Jesus has just begun His teaching ministry, and people are buzzing with excitement and curiosity. They’re trying to figure out who He is and what He stands for. When He says He’s not here to abolish the Law or the Prophets, it’s a pivotal moment—He’s clarifying misconceptions and setting the stage for the radical love and purpose He’s about to share throughout His teachings. This statement acts like a bridge, connecting what has been taught with what He’s about to reveal. It’s the moment where everything shifts in understanding. People start to realize that the old ways were not being discarded but transformed.
How can understanding that Jesus came to fulfill the old teachings instead of getting rid of them change the way you view the rules or values you’ve learned in your own life?
Keep reading the full Matthew 5:17 study — free
Sign Up or Login Free