”The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing their way into it. 17 It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law. 18 “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” Luke 16.16-18
The arrival of Jesus does not do away with the Law of God, but rather, it fulfills it. Matthew 5.17-18 affirms what is said in this segment, “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.”
Jesus was the fulfillment of the Law of God. Until John the Baptist came, the “Law and the Prophets were proclaimed.” But now, the “news of the kingdom of God is being preached” with such urgency that “everyone is forcing their way into it.” Before it was laws, rules and regulations, but now it’s freedom and good news that God’s Kingdom is here and all are welcome. And Jesus is correct, “people are forcing their way in.”
The Law doesn’t go away but is fulfilled, Jesus states this in v.17, “its easer for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law.” And as an example of this, he states the rules on divorce and adultery. It’s as if Jesus is saying, “see, this is what I mean…now listen to this on divorce and adultery.”
Jesus’ coming doesn’t abolish the morality of good deeds and works but brings the joy into serving God. On my trips to Israel, I have only seen a few smiling faces at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. It’s a very solemn place but we should also celebrate while in God’s presence. The arrival of Jesus means the coming of God’s Kingdom, his presence is now accessible to all people, Jew or Greek, and we are given the opportunity to live in that power.
Are you living in the power and the presence of God? Are you walking in step with your Father? Are you obeying God’s laws to the best of your ability while seeking the joy of a relationship with Jesus?
Draw near to Jesus today. Find yourself running to his arms, celebrating his coming Kingdom, filled with his Holy Spirit so the world might know that salvation is found in no one else but Jesus.
”O Lord God, you are good. When my love fails, your love remains steadfast. Come now, Holy Spirit, help me walk in your power and grace. Thank you for loving us with an ever lasting love. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen