In this week’s podcast episode of Destiny Awaits, Mike and I dove deep into one of the most profound and often misunderstood teachings of Jesus—His statement in the Sermon on the Mount about fulfilling the law and the prophets.

If you’ve ever been confused about what Jesus meant when He said, "I have not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it" (Matthew 5:17), you’re not alone. This passage has sparked countless debates and interpretations, so let’s break it down together.

What Does It Mean to Fulfill the Law?

Jesus’ statement in Matthew 5:17-20 is a cornerstone for understanding the relationship between the Old and New Covenants. Far from dismissing the law, Jesus affirmed its purpose. The law was always meant to point us toward love—love for God and love for others.

In this week’s episode, we explored:

• The Role of the Law in the Old Covenant: The law was a guide, revealing God's standard of righteousness.
• Jesus as the Fulfillment: By living a sinless life and embodying perfect love, Jesus fulfilled the law's requirements. His life, death, and resurrection inaugurated the New Covenant, shifting the focus from external obedience to a transformed heart.
• Righteousness Redefined: Jesus challenges us to exceed the righteousness of the Pharisees—not through legalism, but by living in relationship with Him and reflecting His love.

Understanding the Covenants

To truly grasp the significance of this passage, we need to understand the concept of covenants. In the podcast, we discussed three types of covenants:

Grant Covenants: A promise made by one party to another, such as God’s covenant with Abraham.

Kinship Covenants: Agreements based on mutual obligations, like the Mosaic Covenant.

Vassal Covenants: Agreements where one party is subordinate to the other.

Jesus fulfills the law by establishing a New Covenant, one that is rooted in grace and relational love rather than ritualistic observance.

Heaven and Earth: An Idiom for Permanence

Another fascinating insight we explored was the phrase "until heaven and earth pass away" (Matthew 5:18). In biblical terms, "heaven and earth" is often used as an idiom for a meeting place for God and humas. Jesus emphasizes that His mission fulfills the eternal purposes of God—aligning heaven and earth through His life and teaching.

How This Applies to Us Today

So, what does this mean for us in our daily lives? Here are some takeaways from the episode:

• Live in Love: The law points us to love—love for God and love for others (Galatians 5:14).
• Focus on Relationship: Following Jesus isn’t about checking boxes; it’s about walking in a close relationship with Him.
• Embrace Grace: Jesus has fulfilled the requirements of the law on our behalf. We are called to live out His grace through transformed hearts and lives.

Dive Deeper

Explore these key Scriptures to enrich your understanding:

• Matthew 5:17-20
• Hebrews 8:13
• John 13:34-35
• Galatians 5:14

Join the Conversation

What are your thoughts on Jesus’ fulfillment of the law? Does this change how you view the Sermon on the Mount? Share your insights in the comments while listening in on the podcast.

Thank you for joining us on this journey of discovery. Don’t forget to tune in to the latest episode of the Destiny Awaits podcast, where Mike and I discuss this topic in even greater depth.

Together, let’s continue growing in faith, identity, and purpose.

📌 Watch Now: Available on YouTube, Spotify, and your favorite podcast platforms.

https://youtu.be/DMMpqc7pyEU
📌 Listen to the Sermon on the Mount:

https://youtu.be/PFT9FlDi180