Does Jesus Do Away with the Old Testament? Understanding the Law and Fulfillment in Christ

If Christians are the salt and light of the world, does this mean we can do away with the Old Testament? Some might wonder if, now that we live in a new covenant through Christ, the Old Testament laws and prophecies are no longer relevant to us today.

But Jesus addresses this very question in Matthew 5:17–18 when 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. 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.” (Matthew 5:17–18 NASB).

In this passage, Jesus is speaking directly to the religious leaders of His time—specifically, the Scribes and Pharisees—but His message is still relevant for us today. These leaders had built a system of manmade traditions around God’s law, often focusing on external appearances of righteousness while missing the heart of what God truly desires.

The Cultural and Historical Context of Jesus’ Words

To fully understand the weight of this passage, it’s important to grasp the cultural context. In Jesus’ time, the Jewish people were living under Roman rule, and their identity was deeply tied to their religious traditions. The Pharisees and Scribes were seen as the gatekeepers of the law, meticulously upholding traditions and rituals.

However, many of these practices had become hollow rituals, emphasizing outward compliance while neglecting inner transformation. This is why Jesus challenged them—and us—not to confuse religious traditions with true devotion to God.

Jesus wasn’t dismissing the Old Testament law. Instead, He was bringing it to its intended fulfillment. For the Jews, the Old Testament was a book of promises waiting to be fulfilled, and in Christ, those promises find their completion.

How Should Christians View the Old Testament?

As Christians, we don’t discard the Old Testament. The ceremonial laws, like sacrifices and temple rituals, were fulfilled through Jesus’ death and resurrection. He became the perfect sacrifice, rendering those specific practices unnecessary for us today. But the moral laws, like the Ten Commandments, still stand because they reflect God’s unchanging character and His design for righteous living.

Jesus is saying that not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until everything is fulfilled. He affirms the authority of Scripture while simultaneously revealing Himself as the one who brings it to its intended purpose.

Applying This Truth in Our Lives

What does this mean for us today? It’s not enough to simply follow religious traditions or check off boxes of outward righteousness. Jesus calls us to live in full obedience to God’s Word, which requires both knowing the Scriptures and putting them into practice.

Jesus doesn’t leave us guessing about what He desires: He wants us to know and love the entire Bible. This includes the Old Testament because it teaches us about the holiness of God, His justice, His mercy, and His plans to redeem the world through Christ.

So, what’s the way forward for a Christian? Jesus says to know the whole Bible and live it out. It’s not about external appearances, but about letting the Word of God transform our hearts and minds.

Practical Steps for Knowing and Obeying God’s Word

1. Study the Old and New Testament Together: Don’t neglect the Old Testament. It lays the foundation for everything Jesus accomplished. When you read the Bible, see how the promises in the Old Testament are fulfilled in Christ.
2. Internalize God’s Moral Law: Meditate on the moral teachings of the Old Testament, like the Ten Commandments, and ask the Holy Spirit to write them on your heart. These laws guide us to live in a way that reflects God’s character.
3. Obey the Whole of Scripture: Jesus calls us to not only know the Bible but to do what it says. Don’t just stop at gaining head knowledge—ask God for the strength to walk in obedience, even when it’s difficult.
4. Live with the End in View: Remember that Jesus said heaven and earth will pass away, but His Word will not. Our hope isn’t in this world, but in the eternal kingdom where God’s promises will be fully realized.
5. Encourage Others to Study God’s Word: Share what you learn with others, especially how the Old Testament and New Testament are connected. This deepens your faith and helps others grow in their understanding of God’s truth.

In a world that often values outward appearances over inward transformation, Jesus invites us into a deeper relationship—one where we are transformed from the inside out by His Word. Let’s commit to studying the whole of Scripture and living it out in our daily lives, knowing that this is what it means to be great in the kingdom of heaven.

Devotion on Matthew 5:13 found here.

For Deeper Insights on the Sermon on the Mount: If you’re searching for an accessible, powerful commentary, I highly recommend The Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 5-7 by James Montgomery Boice. This book breaks down Jesus’ teachings with clarity and depth, guiding readers to not only understand but also live out these transformative truths. Explore more about this exceptional commentary here.