Insight: The Pharisees had a very strict interpretation of the Torah, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Law and part of what we call the Old Testament. They expected Jews to follow all of God's laws as well as others that they had added. Jesus didn't come to remove what God had commanded but to fulfill it, which could've been seen as a threat to the Pharisees' power.

1. What does it mean when Jesus says He came to fulfill the law?

2. What does Jesus' acknowledgment of the Old Testament law say about the authority of God and the Scriptures?

3. What does the fact that Jesus challenged man's interpretation of the law and not God's say about how we should look at Scripture?

4. Has reading the Old Testament been difficult for you? How can knowing Jesus' view on this help you to seek a deeper understanding of these writings?

5. Jesus says that all Scripture is still valid, down to the smallest letter and mark, until all is accomplished. What does that mean, and what hope can you draw from it?

6. Jesus warns that anyone who ignores God's commandments and teaches others to do the same will be the least in the kingdom of heaven. How can you practice discernment when listening to preachers and teachers?

7. What are the two greatest commandments that Jesus says in Matthew 22:36-40?

8. What does it mean that your righteousness needs to surpass that of the Pharisees?

9. How does one receive this righteousness according to Philippians 3:9?

10. What is the consequence of not having this new type of righteousness?

11. How does Jesus’ death and resurrection free us from the danger of legalism in the church?

12. What new practice can you implement this week to help you grow closer to God?

13. Pause and ask God what He wants to say to you. Take time to listen to what the Father has to say. Write down any thoughts or verses that He brings to your mind.

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Additional Study Tools
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