Jesus: fulfilled the Law and the Prophets
(NASB) Luke 2:39 “When they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord…”
Joseph and Mary were careful to fulfill the Law of circumcision (See Luke 2:21) and later they presented the baby Jesus to God in the Jerusalem temple as the first born Son (See Luke 2:22). They fulfilled the Laws established by God.
Later in Jesus’ ministry He said:
(NASB) Matthew 5:17-19 “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.
18 ‘For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.
19 ‘Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”
Throughout Jesus’ life, He fulfilled God’s words of prophecy concerning Messiah. For Jesus is the long awaited Messiah, the Anointed One of God for the salvation of the world.
Jesus came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets at His first advent (procuring salvation) and it will be completed when He returns to reign as King for eternity.
Jesus came to make the way possible to God for you and me. And He did it by fulfilling the Law and the Prophets words. Without Jesus, the gap between us and God is impossible to bridge. God’s sovereign love has opened the way for “whoever believes” in Jesus will be saved to live in God’s eternal presence. (See John 3:16)
Jesus: fulfilled the Law and the Prophets
and will complete His work when He returns the second time.
Followers of Christ, take hope in His return.
This great salvation is not to be lightly received.
Being thankful to God for such a great salvation through His Son is to praise Him.
(NIV) Psalm 103:1-5 “PRAISE THE LORD, O my soul;
All my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits –
3who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5who satisfies your desires with good things
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”