904 Jesus Fulfills the Law - Matthew 5:17

What difference does the Law make now that we follow Jesus? Why did Jesus say he came to fulfill the Law rather than to abolish it?   "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." Matthew 5:17 ESV   What do you think happens when the Law and the Prophets are fulfilled? Jesus says it in the next verse, "not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished."   In just a few verses, in the same talk, Jesus says we should cut off our hand rather than be thrown into hell. The consequences of not obeying the Law are great. Everything is masked from us, I believe, to give us a free choice. If we saw God for who he is, or if we understood hell, basically, we would forfeit our freedom out of fear.   Jesus is warning two things and we're talking about the first today. He fulfills the Law. Only those who follow him will escape the judgment. Tomorrow, he will tell us our righteousness must exceed even those who seem to be the most righteous. We can't do it.   So what? I hope we realize God has given a job to those of us who follow him. Our job is to serve others so they can join us following Jesus and avoid the judgment that is to come. Often, we try to do that by judgment ourselves. But Jesus didn't come to judge. He came to serve (Mark 10:45).   Today, how can you serve the people around you? Ask God the question and then do what he says. Even if you give someone a cup of cold water because you follow Jesus, it matters (Matthew 10:42). Ask God to show you how to serve the people around you and do it. The world doesn't need us to tell them what they're doing wrong. They need us to live like we follow Jesus.   Also, please consider making an investment in this ministry. We're supported by individuals who want to help mobilize fellow Christ-followers. You can learn more by going to our website, www.FollowerOfOne.org and clicking the Donate button. Thanks very much.