Gospel of Matthew - Matthew 5:31-48 - Sermon On The Mount: Part 3 - "The Spirit of The Law"

As we finish chapter 5 in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus continues to expound on certain examples of the Law and uses them to illustrate and explain exactly how we are to relate to the Old Testament law. Here Jesus made a fundamental change without altering God’s standards: He dealt with the attitudes and intents of the heart, not simply with external action. The Pharisees said that righteousness consisted of performing certain actions, but Jesus said it centered in the attitudes of the heart. Interesting to note how Jesus displays His authority. Six times over Jesus says, “You have heard it said…But I tell you.” He is asserting Himself as the one whom they should follow. Also notice that Jesus is not negating the Old Testament, but rather He is negating the people’s understanding and application of it.