MATTHEW 5:17–26, JESUS IS THE FULFILLMENT OF THE LAW
THE LAW PERFECTED BY LOVE, TRUTH, AND RECONCILIATION
Introduction
This section stands at a decisive point in the Sermon on the Mount. After proclaiming the Beatitudes and identifying His disciples as salt and light, Jesus now clarifies their relationship to the Law of Moses. He addresses the growing misunderstanding that His teaching weakens or replaces the Law. Instead, Jesus reveals Himself as the One who brings the Law and the Prophets to their intended fulfillment. By moving from external observance to interior transformation, He shows that true obedience to God is rooted in love, reconciliation, and a heart aligned with God’s will. This teaching prepares the listener for the deeper moral demands of the Kingdom that follow.
Bible Passage (Matthew 5:17–26)
Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven. I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, “You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.” But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, “Raqa,” will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, “You fool,” will be liable to fiery Gehenna. Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.
Background
This section follows immediately after the Beatitudes and the call to be salt and light. Having revealed the inner identity of His disciples, Jesus now explains how that identity must shape moral life. He speaks at a time when the Law of Moses was surrounded by layers of interpretations and traditions that often obscured its true purpose. Rooted deeply in Old Testament covenant theology, Jesus presents Himself as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets—not by canceling them, but by restoring their original intention and bringing them to completion in love, justice, and fidelity. This teaching prepares the way for the six antitheses (“You have heard… but I say to you”) that follow.
Opening Life Connection
In daily life, we often reduce morality to external behavior: what we did or did not do. Yet relationships break down not only because of violent actions but because of unresolved anger, careless words, and long-held grudges. Families stop speaking, communities fracture, and worship becomes routine while hearts remain wounded. Jesus enters this reality and teaches that God looks not only at actions but at the heart that produces them.
Verse-by-Verse / Phrase-by-Phrase Reflection
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets.”
Jesus rejects the accusation that He is destroying Scripture. He stands firmly within God’s revealed plan.
“I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.”
Fulfillment means completion. Jesus reveals that love is the inner soul of every commandment.
“Amen, I say to you…”
Jesus speaks with divine authority, affirming the truth and permanence of His teaching.
“Not the smallest letter… will pass from the law.”
God’s commandments are enduring and sacred, not subject to convenience or manipulation.
“Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees…”
True righteousness is interior and sincere, not merely external observance.
“You have heard… ‘You shall not kill.’”
The commandment forbids murder, but Jesus goes deeper.
“But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother…”
Sustained anger and hatred are the seeds of violence and judgment.
“Whoever says… ‘Raqa’… ‘You fool.’”
Contemptuous speech and character assassination gravely wound human dignity.
“If you bring your gift to the altar…”
Worship without reconciliation is incomplete and untrue.
“Go first and be reconciled with your brother.”
Peace with others takes priority even over sacrifice.
“Settle with your opponent quickly…”
Conversion is urgent. Delay hardens hearts and closes doors.
“You will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”
Unrepaired injustice carries consequences and calls for purification.
Jewish Historical and Religious Context
The Law and the Prophets summarized Israel’s covenant identity. Scribes interpreted the Law, Pharisees emphasized strict observance, and Temple sacrifice stood at the center of worship. Jesus’ insistence on reconciliation before sacrifice radically reoriented religious priorities toward mercy and justice.
Catholic Tradition and Teaching
The Church teaches that Christ fulfills the Law by perfecting it in charity. The Fifth Commandment safeguards human life and condemns not only physical violence but also attitudes and words that destroy communion and dignity (CCC 2258). Interior conversion, forgiveness, and reconciliation are essential for authentic Christian life and worthy participation in the Sacraments.
Historical or Saintly Illustration
Saint John Paul II forgave the man who attempted to assassinate him and later visited him in prison. This act of mercy embodied the Gospel’s call to a righteousness that surpasses legal justice and is rooted in forgiveness and love.
Application to Christian Life Today
Christians must examine not only their actions but their hearts. Anger, resentment, and harsh speech damage families, parishes, and society. Jesus calls us to reject a culture of insult and division, to seek reconciliation promptly, and to become peacemakers in everyday life.
Eucharistic Connection
The Eucharist is the sacrament of unity. We cannot receive the Body of Christ while refusing peace with our brothers and sisters. The Word proclaimed prepares the heart for the Word received, and Communion sends us forth as ministers of reconciliation.
Messages / Call to Conversion
- Jesus fulfills the Law by restoring its true spirit of love and mercy.
- Authentic righteousness begins in the heart, not in appearances.
- Anger and contempt must be healed before they destroy charity.
- Words can wound as deeply as actions; guard the tongue.
- Reconciliation is essential for true worship and sacramental life.
- Do not delay conversion; time is limited.
Outline for Preachers (Printable – Bullet Form)
- Background within the Sermon on the Mount
- Life connection: anger, broken relationships, superficial religiosity
- Key verses and phrases explained
- Jewish historical and religious setting
- Catholic teaching and tradition
- Saintly illustration
- Application to life today
- Eucharistic connection
- Key messages and call to conversion
