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

Matthew 5 vs 17

In Matthew 5:17, Jesus makes a remarkable declaration about his relationship to the Law and the prophets, suggesting a deep respect for these foundational texts of Judaism. By saying he came "not to destroy but to fulfil," he gently suggests that his mission was not to abolish existing beliefs but to bring their deepest meanings to light.

This interaction offers intriguing layers of understanding. Consider that when Jesus spoke these words, he was surrounded by a world that believed strict adherence to the Law was essential. The philosophical underpinnings of the Law date back to the Torah, uswell as being an ancient wisdom imbued with timeless principles for ethical living. When Jesus indicated fulfillment, he pointed toward a blossoming of these ideas rather than discarding them.

Furthermore, this fulfillment ties into Old Testament themes. The Prophets, to whom he referred, often spoke of transformation, emphasizing love, justice, and mercy over mere rule-following. It's fascinating that Jesus echoes these prophetic voices—encouraging his listeners to look beyond legalism toward a richer, more compassionate understanding of faith.

A fun aspect about this passage lies in its connection to Isaiah 11, where a coming figure would "fulfill" the promise of peace and justice. In that context, Jesus’ words lead us to consider how transformative actions for societal wellbeing stand at the heart of his teaching, making this a beautiful convergence of spirituality and humanity that resonates through time.