A Year in the Bible with Daily Grace

Episode: Season 4, Week 13 Day 3: Annotating Matthew 5:17-20
Release Date: March 26, 2025
Host/Author: The Daily Grace Co.

Introduction

In this episode of A Year in the Bible with Daily Grace, co-hosts Alexa and Beth delve into Matthew 5:17-20, exploring how Jesus fulfills the Old Testament law and the implications of this fulfillment for believers. This episode emphasizes the seamless continuity between the Old and New Testaments, highlighting Jesus as the central figure who unites the entirety of Scripture.

Exploring the Passage: Matthew 5:17-20

Beth initiates the discussion by presenting the selected New Testament passage:

“Don’t think that I came to abolish the law or the prophets. I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or one stroke of a letter will pass away from the law until all things are accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commands and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever does and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Scribes and the Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:17-20)

Insights from Annotations

Beth shares her reflections on annotating the passage, focusing on the attributes of God revealed through Jesus' words:

"Jesus says that he was not there to do away with the law, but instead he was fulfilling it. And this really got me thinking about how God is unchanging and how he doesn't just change his mind... He's always consistent. He's always unchanging, and his plans always work out the way he intended them from the very beginning." (01:55)

Beth emphasizes the unchanging nature of God, countering the common misconception that the Old Testament depicts a God solely concerned with rules, while the New Testament emphasizes love and compassion. She reinforces that Jesus embodies the same divine character present throughout the Bible.

Continuity Between Testaments

Alexa builds on Beth's insights by highlighting the continuity of God's character across both Testaments:

"There is continuity between the Old and New Testament, and part of that continuity involves God's character. Who he is remains the same through all of Scripture." (02:56)

This segment underscores that understanding Jesus' fulfillment of the law enriches our comprehension of the entire Biblical narrative, affirming that God's nature and intentions are consistent from Exodus through the Gospels.

Obedience and Consequences

Beth further explores the practical implications of the passage, specifically focusing on the types of people Jesus describes and their corresponding outcomes:

"I think that the last prompt was incredibly thought-provoking. It asks us to circle the two types of people that Jesus describes in verse 19 and asks us to make note of the consequences that are there for each type... Those who break the commandments... being called least in the kingdom of heaven, or if you keep and teach the commandments, you will be called great in the kingdom of heaven." (03:12)

She reflects on the importance of adhering to and teaching the commandments, noting that Jesus' message extends beyond merely fulfilling the law to actively living it out. This dual focus on obedience and teaching underscores the transformative impact of embracing God's commands.

Looking Ahead

The hosts conclude by teasing the next episode's discussion, which will delve deeper into the connections between Matthew 5:17-20 and Exodus 20. They encourage listeners to join them for a more comprehensive exploration of how these passages interlink to reveal the overarching story of redemption.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Beth on God's Unchanging Nature:
  "He's always consistent. He's always unchanging, and his plans always work out the way he intended them from the very beginning." (01:55)

• Alexa on Continuity of God's Character:
  "There is continuity between the Old and New Testament, and part of that continuity involves God's character." (02:56)

• Beth on Obedience and Consequences:
  "Those who break the commandments... being called least in the kingdom of heaven, or if you keep and teach the commandments, you will be called great in the kingdom of heaven." (03:12)

Conclusion

This episode of A Year in the Bible with Daily Grace offers a profound exploration of Matthew 5:17-20, revealing the depth of Jesus' fulfillment of the law and the unwavering nature of God's character. By bridging the Old and New Testaments, Alexa and Beth guide listeners to a richer understanding of Scripture, encouraging a deeper appreciation and love for Christ as the central figure of the Bible.

For further studies, journals, and resources to enhance your journey through God's Word, visit thedailygraceco.com. Stay connected by following AlexaGrace Podcast and The Daily Grace Co. on Instagram for daily inspirations and study materials.

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