We are examining the Sermon on the Mount, divided into 23 sections.
Matthew reports a series of teachings about the law and the prophets, a crucial subject for first-century Jews, because their society rested on this divine law given to Moses and on the prophets' teaching. Luke, for his part, avoids addressing this subject with Gentiles.
Jesus the Messiah's stance towards this law is essential, since some imagine that he will overturn the entire system. His criticism of the might support the idea of establishing a new order. Yet Jesus states from the outset that he will fulfil the law scrupulously rather than introduce a new system. This seems logical, since God himself gave this law to Moses. In this context, how could the Son of God question its validity?
Jesus therefore proposes a genuine fulfilment of the law as God the Father originally intended. He also specifies that this law will remain until the end of the world and encourages his listeners to observe it scrupulously. It is important to note that Jesus refers to Moses' original law rather than all the precepts added over the years by the various religious authorities.
Jesus concludes unequivocally: unless your righteousness exceeds that of the experts in the law and the , you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. He thus proposes a revolution, affirming that the existing system advocated by the religious men is no longer God's law and leads Jewish society to ruin. In summary, he warns that if your aim is to fulfil this system based on the law and the prophets, you will go straight to hell.
Having made this observation, Jesus clarifies his thought. Addressing foreigners unfamiliar with Mosaic law, Luke does not consider it useful to repeat this point. However, he cites a passage where Jesus proclaims that he came in accordance with what is said in the law and the prophets (Luke 24.44).