A Biblical Vision, Part II: Mastering the New Testament Witness to Christ

Ses s i on 3: The Gospe l s : The Man i fes tat i on of Chr i s t , Par t I I 75

an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.”

2. He gave final interpretation to the meaning and significance of the OT promise and commandment, e.g., Matt. 5.27-28 – “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ [28] But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

3. Jesus’ teaching represents the ethic of God’s kingdom rule now proclaimed in his person and work.

a. His work contrasts with OT interpretation given by the rabbis, Matt. 7.28-29 – And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, [29] for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.” (cf. Matt. 15.1-9; Mark 7.5ff.)

b. His ethic super-extends the righteousness demanded by the tradition, Matt. 5.20 – “For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of heaven.”

c. He spoke not as the scribes and rabbis: he spoke with absolute authority to interpret the Scriptures for they testified of his person and work , John 5.39-40 – “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, [40] yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.”

4. Loving God and people: the commandments on which the entire Law hinge and swing, Matt. 22.36-40 – “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” [37] And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your