Jesus Fulfills the Law Legislation

Beloved Shepherds of the Church, 

Just a short message for Holy Week, though I know I will be “preaching to the choir”. Lol. 

The triumphal entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem is described in all four Gospels: Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, John 12:12-19. 

Throughout His ministry, Jesus‘ actions and teachings during the Passover reveal His divine authority, His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, and His establishment of a new covenant with humanity. 

This event marks Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem, a few days before his crucifixion and is celebrated on Palm Sunday. The disciples arrive in the city, seek out lodgings, and at the appointed time, the annual family celebration is when the story of that first Passover is told. A time when the actions of God in confronting and overturning the political rulers is remembered, retold, and celebrated. 

I imagine Roman soldiers,  on the edges, behind the crowds, their watchful eye, strategically deployed, carefully watching every move that was taking place as travelers approached to the city. As the Passover travelers swelled up Jerusalem each year at this time. They knew from years of monitoring the crowds, of the potential for dispute and conflict that simmered underneath the crowds. They knew it was a high point in the Jewish year, attuned attention to the history of their people, would know of the charged political consequences of this festival. 

History showed that the Passover was a celebration in which time God intervened the ruler, overturning the exercise of absolute power that was applied in an unfair, cruel, or oppressive manner, liberating the faithful people, as it was long ago in Egypt … so it now could well be, in Jerusalem under Roman rule, a political celebration, wrapped around with religious significance, a celebration of political victory. 

Jesus came to fulfill the Law

Matthew 5:17-20 
“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.  18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.  19 Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.  20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.  

The Law Was Abolished 

Romans 5:20-21
“The law came in that transgression might increase, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that as sin reigned in death, 
even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life 
through Jesus Christ our Lord”. 

Jesus, Legislative Session 

For Jesus had done He is own Legislative Session by fulfilling the Law and presented new clarified moral laws. Jesus’ teachings on the Law are often interpreted as a fulfillment of its intent, but his approach to the Law is one of clarification and intensification, rather than outright change. This is evident in his teachings on moral imperatives, which he does not discard but rather clarifies and intensifies.  

1. Murder 
   Matthew 5:21-26 
   “You have heard that it was said . . . ‘You shall not   22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry . . . will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says., ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
   23 “. . . if you are offering your gift at the altar and . . . your brother or sister has something against you, 24 . . . First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. 25 “Settle matters quickly . . .”  
2. Adultery 
   Matthew 5:27-30 
   “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But . . . anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery…in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out . . . 30 And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.  
3. Divorce 
   Matthew 5:31-32 
   “It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. 
4. Oaths 
   Matthew 5:33-37 
   “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago,
   ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ 34 But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, . . . 35 or by the earth, . . .36 And do not swear by your head, . . . 37 All you need to say is simply ‘Yes I will’ or ‘No I will not’. 
5. Revenge  
   Matthew 5:38-42 
   “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, . . . If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.  
6. Love for Enemies 
   Matthew 5:43-48 
   “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven . . . 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? . . 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? 48 Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.  Jesus was misunderstood which is why He was rejected.

Jesus’ Rejection was Foretold. Rejection by Nazareth and family, by Religious Leaders, and by the People He came to save. Mark 6:3-4; John 8:58-59; Matthew 27:22; Isaiah 53:3; Matthew 21:9; Luke 9:22 

Politics played a major role in Jesus’ rejection, and its
implications declare the hardness of the human heart and the fulfillment of divine prophecy. Despite the rejection, God used it to fulfill His perfect Will. Jesus’ mission was accomplished through His death and resurrection, offering salvation to all who believe. His was Crucified, He died but ended up overcoming death itself by Resurrecting on the third day. And now we celebrate, for HE IS ALIVE! The rejection serves as a reminder of the cost of discipleship and the call to remain faithful amidst opposition.   

LET US NOT GIVE UP preaching on the current issues, regardless of the rejection that comes with it. LET US NOT GIVE UP seeking Biblical Values in the Candidate that is campaigning for a government position in whatever level. For it will take the spiritual leaders to encourage The Church to Rise and STAND in the GAP by electing people that will know to do the righteous thing according to God’s Word in a position of authority to turn and keep this State and Nation in God’s ways. Let us be part of “the shift” and elect people that will protect and advance Biblical Values in our policies.  

2 Chronicles 7:14 
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves
and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 

Blessings, 
Pastor Jorge Tovar 

Good To Know! 

Austin ISD still refuses to acknowledge Good Friday! Texas Education Code 25.087 allows students to be excused to observe religious holy days. Read more about it here.

Texas Values is one of the leading organizations working to protect the Texas Ten Commandments Law in order to remind students of our country’s history and of the Ten Commandments’ profound influence on the development of western legal systems. Learn more about it here. 

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jtovar@txvalues.org
txvalues.org/church
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