Whoever Does Them & Teaches Them

Matthew 5:17-20

Key Verse 5:19

“Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

Look at v.17

1. What context is “Law and the Prophets” usually used? (Matt 7:12, 22:37-40)

2. What then does Jesus mean “I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them”?

3. What was Jesus’ life like as he “fulfilled them”?

Look at v.18

1. What does Jesus’ words reveal about the permanency of the Law?

2. What does this permanency mean for Christians?

3. Do Christians need to fulfill the Law like Jesus? (Matt 7:12-14, Jam 2:8)

Look at v.19

1. What prior point is Jesus referencing by saying, “Therefore”?

2. Why is “relaxing” the Law and “teaching others the same” wrong?

3. What relationship does the Law have with greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven? Why?

Look at v.20

1. How good was the “righteousness” of the scribes and Pharisees? (Matt 23:1-3)

2. Why is it difficult to “enter the kingdom of heaven”? Matt 7:21, 18:3, 19:24)

3. How can we accomplish this? (Jeremiah 31:33)

Extra: How does this passage relate to the previous passage about salt and light?

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