What does Matthew chapter 5 verse 17 mean?

Answer 1

A:

Matthew 5:17-18: "(17)Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. (18) For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled."

Lest anyone think the Jewish law has been made redundant by the life of Jesus, he tells us here that he does not intend any part of the Jewish law ever to be rescinded. His mission is, instead, to fulfil the law or demonstrate its continuing relevance. The law of which Jesus speaks here is in the Hebrew scriptures, where more than 600 rules and commandments include not only the Ten Commandments themselves, but also rules on kosher food, Sabbath observance, circumcision, shaving, punishmant of children and so on. Verse 18 confirms this in no uncertain terms. Not until the Apostle Paul do we find this revised.

Answer 2

At Matthew 5:47Jesus says: "And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?"(NIV)

To get the proper understanding of something in The Bible, it's always important to read AROUND the scripture in question. In this case, the entire section (Matthew 5:43-48) explains what is meant. It reads: "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."(NIV)

Jesus is here telling his followers how important LOVE is in the Christian congregation (John 13:35). ANYone can show affection for their family or their friends, even people who don't love God, but a Christian would also show love for his ENEMY, and those who are NOT friends, in imitation of God, who continues to provide the necessities of life, even to those who, at this time, have no appreciation for him. (1 John 4:7-11)

Answer 3

"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy"

It means that you should show mercy to people and that if you do, you will have mercy shown to you.