Don Stewart :: What Was Jesus' Relationship to the Law of Moses?

The law that God gave to Moses for the people Israel was a central part of their existence. It was the perfect standard by which they were to conduct their lives. Though the law was perfect, it revealed how imperfect each individual was. The law gave people the knowledge of sin but not the solution.

Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in his sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin (Romans 3:20).

Scripture says the following about the relationship of Jesus to the Old Testament law.

Jesus Was Born Under Law

Jesus was born under the Law of Moses.

But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons (Galatians 4:4,5).

He Was Sinless Under The Law

Jesus was also sinless under the law

Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't you believe me (John 8:46)

Jesus Fulfilled The Law

Jesus, as the promised Messiah, came and fulfilled the Law of Moses. He testified.

Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill (Matthew 5:17).

Jesus Kept The Law

Jesus is the only person who has ever kept the law perfectly. He did everything the law required, never once breaking any of its commandments. Because He was sinless, Jesus was able to meet the requirements of the law to be the perfect sacrifice. His death redeemed humanity from the curse of the law.

Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree') (Galatians 3:13).

The Curse Of The Law Was Removed By Jesus' Death

The curse that the law had over humanity was now removed. The death of Christ meant that those who were previously slaves under the law could become the children of God and heirs to His promises.

God sent forth his Son . . . to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying out, 'Abba Father!' Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ (Galatians 4:4-7).

Christ has taken away the bondage of the law for the believer and given freedom in place of slavery.

Jesus Taught The Law

Jesus faithfully taught the law. He rejected the unbiblical traditions of the Scribes and Pharisees.

On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" "What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?" He answered: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind' and, `Love your neighbor as yourself. (Luke 10:25-27)

There Is The New Law Of Christ

Those who have become Christians are now under the law of Christ.

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. (John 13:34).

Paul wrote.

Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).

Summary

Jesus is the only person who has ever lived who has perfectly kept God's law. Because He fulfilled the law, Jesus was able to become the perfect sacrifice for sin. Those who put their faith in Him are freed from the bondage of the law and have become God's children.