Psalm 145:17-21, Deuteronomy 1:1-18, Matthew 5:1-20 - Lectionary for 9/28/11

Today's readings are Psalm 145:17-21, Deuteronomy 1:1-18, and Matthew 5:1-20.

Jesus' statement in Matthew 5:17 is critical to understanding all of the New Testament. What did Jesus do? He came to fulfill the Law. He is not an example showing us how we can earn our salvation. Rather, he is the one who has completed all righteousness on our behalf. We see as we look to God's Law that we don't need a coach. We need a deliverer. As we daily fall short of God's perfect standard we need someone to do all God has commanded, then give that perfect obedience to us. Without a fulfiller of the Law we remain under the curse and all the weight of God's wrath falls on us. With Jesus to fulfill all of God's demands we find the weight of God's glory and blessing falling on us.

Thanks be to God! Jesus has fulfilled the Law.