I HAVE COME TO FULFILL THE LAW

Matthew 5:17-48, Key verse: 17

¹⁷ “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. 

1. Look at verses 17-20. Did Jesus come to abolish the Law or the Prophets? What happens to those who set aside one of the least of God’s command and teach? What happens to those who not only teach God’s commands but practice them? How can our righteousness surpass that of the Pharisees and teachers of the law?
2. Look at verses 21-28. What is the Law about the murder in the Old Testament (Num 35:16-21)? What is the law of Jesus on anger, Raca (disrespect), and ‘You fool’ to his brother? What should we do when we realize that we offended someone before making an offering? What happens if we do not settle matters before meeting the judge? 
3. Look at verses 27-32. What is the Law for adultery in the Old Testament (Exo 20:14, Lev 20:10)? What law did Jesus give for adultery? What should we do when we commit adultery with our eyes or hands? What is law of divorce (Deut 24:1) and the main cause of divorce? How seriously should we take even with adulterous thinking? Why? 
4. Look at verses 33-37. What did the Law say about not breaking an oath (Num 30:2)? What did Jesus say about swearing an oath? Why did Jesus say that we should just say ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ instead of make a vow? 
5. Look at verses 38-47. Why did the Law say ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth’ (Ex 21:24)? What did Jesus tell us to do when we are slapped or sued or forced or asked? Why? What did the Law say about our enemy in the Old Testament (Lev 19:18)? What did Jesus tell us to do to our enemy or to persecutors different from unbelievers? How can we be perfect before God?