Today’s passage from the Sermon on the Mount highlights the teaching function of Jesus.  The topic is the role of Jesus with reference to the Old Testament.

Jesus was a devout, practicing Jew.  He did not intend to abolish the law and the prophets.  Rather the law was to be fulfilled in his death and resurrection.  Jesus’ own teaching would supplement and interpret the law.

Laws would not be needed in a perfect world.  Rules are needed in every phase of life.  Certain questions, nonetheless, must be raised.  Does law serve the people?  Does law take into account persons and circumstances regarding its adaptation?  Does law rise above the minimum (thou shalt not kill) and help us to strive for the maximum (reverence for life)?  These are necessary considerations.

In the Gospels Jesus often admonishes those who would complicate the law, those who failed to distinguish ends from means.  The Great Commandment, namely, love of God, neighbor, and self provides the basis by which all human activity must be directed.  Very simply, do I strive to make my every action a response in love?