“The Ending” – Matthew 5:17-18

Matthew 5:17-18

“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. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.”
 
With the rise of streaming media like Netflix and a dozen other platforms getting in on the action, there have never been more choices to binge-watch. Even in the time of COVID, we don’t have time to waste on bad TV. I am constantly on the lookout for shows that have a winning combination of great storytelling, perfect casting, seamless acting, and brilliant directing. But nothing will make or break a series more for me than the ending. Shows that start with real promise but then fizzle, are canceled too early, or just run off the rails into a ditch make me wish I hadn’t wasted my time in the first place. But give me a story with an ending that wraps everything up in a perfectly satisfying way, and I will usually watch it over and over. There’s satisfaction in the symmetry of a good ending. It shows that from beginning to end, the story was intentional and well woven. 
 
This week we will be looking at the purpose of the law. As we saw in last week’s reading, the law was not made to justify anyone (unless they could follow it completely – more on that in a second).  However, the law wasn’t worthless. And as we begin our look at this theme we stop for a moment to catch some of the words of Jesus in the sermon on the mount. He assured the crowd that he wasn’t coming to do away with the law and the prophets, but that his life and ministry would help to bring it to a beautiful ending. He was fulfilling the law by meeting all of its requirements perfectly. And as messiah, he was also fulfilling all of the Old Testament prophesies in regards to His role. There is symmetry here that reveals all I look for in a beautifully crafted, directed, and executed story. It’s why I can’t stay away. 
 
Share in the comments below a book, movie, or TV show that had a great and fulfilling ending for you. (No judgment zone!) What show failed to deliver when it came to its end?
 
Use the HEAR method to delve further into today’s passage:  
 
Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you? 
Explain – what does the passage mean? 
Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today? 
Respond – how is God leading you to respond? 
Today’s post is by Jon Price, Associate Pastor
 
I leave you today with the image of a show that had so much promise, and yet…

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