The answer is: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil

Matthew 5 vs 17

In this profound verse from Matthew 5:17, Jesus tones in on a fundamental aspect of his mission. When he declares that he has not come to "destroy" but to "fulfil" the law and the prophets, he opens a dialogue about the continuity and significance of the scriptures that came before him. It’s like a bridge connecting the old with the new, reassuring his audience that rather than abolishing the teachings and messages valued by Jewish tradition, he’s here to elevate and complete them.

This highlights an important feature of Jesus’s teachings: they often echo the deeper, underlying messages of the law. For instance, rather than just adhering to rules, he emphasizes love, compassion, and intention—often referencing teachings from figures like Moses and the prophets to reinforce his own insights. Picture this as various brush strokes coming together to create a complete masterpiece of a painting, where each stroke—the laws of the Old Testament—finds its ultimate expression through Christ.

Interestingly, notable scholars point out that while focusing on fulfilling the law, Jesus offers a refreshingly human interpretation around moral guidance rather than legalistic domination. This notion of fulfillment reveals a transformative goal—not just regulation of behavior but grappling with our better selves. So, next time you dust off that dusty old biblical scroll, remember it’s not just history; it’s a living narrative connecting kindness, justice, and new understanding across the ages!