Jesus Fulfills the Law

Matthew 5:17-20

Verse 17
“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.”

Verse 18
“For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.”

Verse 19
“Therefore, whoever sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

Verse 20
“For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Vocabulary

1. Abolish – To completely remove or do away with something.
2. Fulfill – To complete or bring something to its true purpose.
3. Disappear – To no longer be present or visible.
4. Surpass – To go beyond or exceed a certain level.
5. Righteousness – Living according to God’s will and moral law.

Grammar & Examples

1. Present Perfect Tense (I have come to…)

   • I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
   • She has always followed her parents’ advice.

2. Comparative Sentence (unless your righteousness surpasses…)

   • Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
   • Unless you work harder, you will not pass the exam.

3. Passive Voice (will be called, will be accomplished)

   • Whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
   • The work will be accomplished by the end of the week.