What Did Jesus Say about the Commandments?

Leaders of the Christian faith often turn to the teachings of Jesus for guidance on how to live a holy and righteous life. One of the core aspects of Jesus' message was the importance of keeping the commandments, as outlined in both the Old and New Testaments. From the prophet Ecclesiastes 12:14 to the detailed instructions presented by the gospel of Matthew 5:17-19, Jesus' teachings highlight the significance of obeying God's commandments. This article explores Jesus' views on the commandments and how to make them a cornerstone of Christian life.

The Law and Prophets

During his public ministry, Jesus addressed the Law and Prophets, which are central to religious and moral life. In Matthew 5:17, he emphasized the importance of the Law and the Prophets as prophetic, indispensable, and unchangeable:

"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. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished."

Keeping the Commandments

Jesus believed in the significance of keeping the commandments, which are the detailed instructions and laws from God to humans. The following passage from Matthew 5:18 underlines this teaching:

Nicodeum, I tell you the truth, 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 clearly stated that if one disregards the smallest commandment, they will be considered the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. Conversely, those who obey the commandments and teach others to do the same will be recognized as great in the Kingdom of Heaven. This is reinforced in Matthew 8:22 and 23:

"Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesying in your name, and in your name cast out demons and perform many miracles?' And then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

Exceeding Righteousness

Jesus further emphasized the need to exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, whose lives were dedicated to the observance of religious commandments. As stated in Matthew 5:20:

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.

This means that simply obeying the commandments is not enough; one must exemplify a life of true righteousness and holiness, which is reflective of God's will.

Fulfilling the Law

In Matthew 19:17, Jesus provides a more direct commandment:

If you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.

Christians are challenged to keep the commandments and live a life that glorifies God. For those who seek eternal life, doing the commandments is a necessary step. This is summarized in the continued study provided in the verse below from Revelation 22:14-15:

“Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.”

Here, those who keep the commandments and follow God's will are blessed and are allowed to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, as opposed to those who do not.

Commandments as the Law of the Lord

In the Old Testament, the commandments are often referred to as the Law of the Lord. This term is used in various books such as Exodus 31:18, Isaiah 5:24, and 1 John 5:3. The commandments are also referred to as the Royal Law in the Bible, emphasizing their importance for moral and religious guidance. James 2:8 highlights the importance of obedience to the Royal Law, as it is the inseparable companion to faith:

If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, 'Love your neighbor as yourself,' you are doing right.

Conclusion

Jesus' teachings on the commandments are fundamental to the Christian faith. They emphasize obedience, the importance of fulfilling the Law, and the challenge to exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees. By keeping the commandments, Christians aim to honor God, avoid sin, and seek eternal life. This article provides an in-depth look at Jesus' teachings on the commandments, offering guidance for those seeking to deepen their spiritual understanding and practices.

Understanding and embracing the commandments can lead to a closer relationship with God and a more righteous life. The Christian journey is one of learning, growth, and commitment to following the teachings and commandments of Jesus.