The preaching of Jesus was so different from that of the Pharisees and Sadducees—some people believed His intention was to subvert the authority of God’s Word and substitute His own in its place. But Jesus said, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come TO DESTROY BUT TO 1FULFILL. (Matt. 5:17) 1pleroo: to complete. Jesus said He came to COMPLETE THE LAW and make it perfect. How? By showing THE SPIRITUAL INTENT AND APPLICATION OF GOD’S LAW. “The LORD is well pleased for His righteousness’ sake; He will EXALT THE LAW AND MAKE IT HONORABLE.” (Isaiah 42:21) “For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till ALL IS FULFILLED.” (Matt. 5:18)
“The Law and the Prophets” was a term commonly used for the Old Testament Scriptures, “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for THIS IS THE LAW AND THE PROPHETS. “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because NARROW IS THE GATE AND DIFFICULT IS THE WAY which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matt. 7:12-14)
Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain, “Jesus was transfigured before them. His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. And ELIJAH appeared to them with MOSES, and they were talking with JESUS.” (Mark 9:2-4) Peter said to Jesus, “…it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah…And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, THIS IS MY BELOVED SON. HEAR HIM! (Mark 9:5, 7)
-Bill Stockham