The Reason For The Season

Matthew 5:17-20 | Ben Potloff | "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" (v. 17). In the Old Testament, God gave His people the Law and the Prophets so they would know what is required for them to be in right relationship with Him. Sadly, Israel rejected, distorted, and fell short over and over again. Something needed to be done for God's people to be forgiven of their sins and counted righteous before God! Here, we see that Christ is the one who does what sinful people could never do in the face of God's perfect law.MAIN IDEAChrist came to fulfill God’s Word.OUTLINEI. The Old Testament points to Christ (vv. 17-18)II. The Old Testament endures in Christ (vv. 19-20) DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. What stands out to you about this passage? What is challenging or confusing about what Matthew records here?2. What is the purpose of God's Law and His Prophets in the Old Testament?3. How is God's grace seen in Christ's fulfillment of the Law and Prophets on your behalf?4. What does this passage teach you about the person, work, and purpose of Jesus Christ?5. How does this passage challenge the way you think or how you live?