17: Of course, many among the Jews had already begun to form the opinion that Christ was trying to do damage to the law. Indeed, the issue of the law is the very heart of controversy in Jesus’ life. People either accepted or rejected his teaching concerning the law. This sermon has much to do with Christ’s view of the law. To miss that will lead to misunderstanding.
The key word here is fulfill. It literally means to complete. Jesus had come, not to subtract from the law, but to add to it. He was preparing to explain the law in a way that had never before been heard. God himself was present to comment on the law. This had not occurred in this way since Sinai. In fact, the Sermon on the Mount is the greatest explanation of the meaning of the law given at Sinai that has ever been delivered. Jesus was trying to help these people understand that he was there to help them understand the law better than ever. As the Author, he was preparing to elucidate upon his own work.
18: Although most people are already aware that the ‘jot’ and ‘tittle’ are very small marks in the Hebrew language, the phrase ’till heaven and earth pass’ has not received so much commentary. Many think it is an idiomatic expression meaning never. However, given the content of the book of Revelation, it seems quite likely that Jesus is referring to the future. God’s Word shall always stand because it is inextricably linked to him. But, once the purpose of the law has been completely completed, it will ‘pass’ away in a sense. At that future time, sin will cease to exist. Therefore, the law, which deals with sin, will no longer be needed in the same way.
Daily Bible Reading: Job 4:1-6:30
Daily Memory Verse: Jude 1:1 “Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:“
Daily Tidbit: Bananas are actually the most consumed fruit on earth. They come in many varieties. The Banana plant, though sometimes called a tree, is indeed a plant (a herb). A single banana can also be called a ‘finger’, and the tiers on a bunch of bananas in called a ‘hand’.
Praise Journal: Heavenly Father, thank You for today. Your goodness is limitless. Your faithfulness knows no boundaries. Remind us constantly that You are in control of everything. We easily forget that You know exactly what is going on. Help us to always trust You with everything. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.
Prayer Journal Highlights: Pray for an older couple with back pain. Pray for a large Christian family. Pray for a man having back surgery soon.
Personal Journal Entry #12154