Jesus Is the Authority on Life

“Don’t misunderstand why I have come.
I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets.
No, I came to accomplish their purpose.”
Matthew 5:17

Were we able today to witness Jesus’ message in person, I have no doubt that it would stab us awake. Why do I say that? Because He spoke with authority—the all-powerful, invincible authority of the Scriptures. Human opinions no longer mattered, not even the longstanding, rigidly enforced pharisaic rules and regulations.

Are we talking about merely making an impression or being persuasive? No. Webster defines authority as “the power to influence or command thought, opinion, or behavior.” I would use two additional words to describe authority: convincing force . . . a force far greater than any human can muster. Jesus’ words were “living and active” (Hebrews 4:12), eclipsing every man-made code of ethics or moral standard.

Remove that standard and humanity is awash in this person’s opinion or that culture’s tradition or some group’s regulations, or, most specifically, in pharisaic legalism. In the final analysis, it was when Jesus had the audacity to question those longstanding traditions that plans for His demise were put into motion. If we had a video recording of His delivering this sermon and if the camera were panning to His audience, we would detect a few astonished faces and, no doubt, a few frowns about the time He said the words recorded in Matthew 5:17: “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill” (NASB 1995)

Suddenly, for the first time, He—personally—is brought into focus. During the beatitudes He spoke in the third person: “Blessed are those who,” and “blessed are they.” When He talked about shaking salt and shining light, He subtly shifted the pronouns from third to second person: “You are the salt . . . you are the light.” But now? Now He speaks of Himself. Why does He do this? Because some must have wondered if He was speaking on His own behalf. Maybe one or two thought, Who does He think He is? Is He above the Law? Sounds like He sets Himself up as judge and jury. Is he beyond the authority of Scripture?

“I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill.” Let’s not make Jesus’ statement complicated. He gave it to simplify the issue, not to confuse His hearers.