Jesus had a high view of scripture and did not come to abolish it but to fulfill it. He emphasized six key commands about murder, adultery, divorce, oaths, retaliation, and love for enemies. For each command, Jesus explained that outward obedience was not enough and that God looks at inward attitudes of the heart. True obedience requires surpassing what some teachers said and aiming for the perfection that God commands, which is impossible to attain alone.

1. Jesus and the Law Matthew 5:17-48

2. I tell you the truth – he is emphasising the statement Jesus had an extremely high view of scripture Down to the smallest letters Until heaven and earth disappear Until everything is accomplished Jesus Believed the Scriptures – v18-19

3. Jesus did not came to abolish (dismantle) the scriptures He fulfilled the scriptures The Law teaches the seriousness of sin Many of the sacrifices point directly to Christ Many of the incidents reveal Christ Jesus Fulfilled the Scriptures – v 17

4. The weakness of the kings point to the need for a great King The Prophets spoke of Christ hundreds of years before he was born The Old Testament looks forward to Jesus Jesus Fulfilled the Scriptures – v 17

5. Six antitheses – “You have heard... But I say to you” Not all they had heard was from scripture – v22, 43 He is talking about the spirit of the Law It is possible to tick all the boxes of what you have heard and still be far from God God looks at the heart Jesus Commanded Obedience to the Scriptures – v21-47

7. Anger is the root of murder

8. To malign

9. Our relationships with each other affect our relationship with God Jesus Commanded Obedience to the Scriptures – v21-47

10. 2. Adultery Lust is the problem Hell is so terrible, avoid it at all costs 3. Divorce God understands the pain of divorce Hillel and Shammai In the kingdom marriage is sacred Jesus Commanded Obedience to the Scriptures – v21-47

11. 4. Oaths Economical with the truth The Greek means, “Let your word be; yes, yes; no, no.” 5. Eye for an eye Jesus is not saying that evil should not be resisted, he turned over the money changers tables In context, Jesus is saying “do not resist an evil person in court” Jesus did not respond to insults and brutality 6. Love for enemies Their understanding of the Law was flawed We were all God’s enemies but he loved us “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing” “Pray for those who persecute you” Jesus Commanded Obedience to the Scriptures – v21-47

12. 4. Oaths Economical with the truth The Greek means, “Let your word be; yes, yes; no, no.” Jesus Commanded Obedience to the Scriptures – v21-47

13. 5. Eye for an eye Jesus is not saying that evil should not be resisted, he turned over the money changers tables In context, Jesus is saying “do not resist an evil person in court” Jesus did not respond to insults and brutality Jesus Commanded Obedience to the Scriptures – v21-47

14. 6. Love for enemies Their understanding of the Law was flawed We were all God’s enemies but he loved us “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing” “Pray for those who persecute you” Jesus Commanded Obedience to the Scriptures – v21-47

15. Subjects of the kingdom must surpass the Pharisees – v20 The Standard is God – v48 We are not going to make it Where are we aiming, legalist righteousness or holiness? We need a transformation We are ‘works in progress, but are we progressing? One who is perfect died in our place Jesus Seeks Perfection in Us – v48