Matthew 5:17-19
Jesus was always faithful to the Torah but clashed with the Jewish authorities. He disagreed with the human and oral traditions that were being introduced by the Pharisees and scribes for their own benefit. These human and oral traditions were created, enforced and had nothing to do with the written Laws of the Prophets. Jesus opposed the authorities, he confronted them in Matthew 15:3, by saying, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?” Because of this the Jewish authorities portrayed him as a radical to the people, as someone who wanted to destroy their way of life. In Matthew 5:17, Jesus is defending himself against their criticism.
He says, “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.” Jesus is contrasting two words in the same sentence. He says “I have not come to abolish” or to remove the Law of the Prophets. He has come to fulfill, to bring to fruition, and to bring into light the Law of the Prophets.
He goes on to mention the smallest letter and the least stroke of a pen. A jot is the smallest letter of the Hebrew alphabet. In Jewish law, a "tittle" refers to a tiny stroke or mark on a Hebrew letter considered the smallest detail, which can differentiate one letter from another. He is not changing one minuscule stroke or letter of the law but is enhancing everything about the law.
Jesus was a carpenter. Carpenters in the first century were architects working in wood, stone, and metal. I see Jesus as a skilled architect not wanting to tear down and rebuild but with his knowledge and ability to understand he wanted to improve upon the existing structure of this treasured building.
Jesus was not there to abolish and rebuild the Law, but emphasizes the authority of the Old Testament law, which will stand until the end of time. However, he is there to renovate and uphold its core principles. Jesus examined and knew every detail of the building; the existing religious teachings, the covenant partnership and traditions which are the written Law of the Prophets.
The architect makes improvements to the building, to preserve the original structure making it more functional and accessible to everyone, not unlike the way in which Jesus interprets the Law that is more relevant and applicable to everyday life. By enhancing the beauty and functionality demonstrated, Jesus fulfilled the law by deepening its application and meaning for all.
Meditation by the Reverend Daphne Roberts, Deacon
Christ Church, New Brunswick
Diocese of New Jersey