For Jesus to fulfill the Law and the Prophets is for him to bring to completion what Scripture (Law and Prophets) revealed regarding the coming of Christ and the plan of God for his people/creation (see Luke 24:27, Luke 24:44; John 5:39). 1 Not only will he bring about the fulfillment of direct prophecies (for example, Matthew 1:22–23; Matthew 2:5–6), but also the exodus and exile experiences of Israel (see Matthew 2:14–18). 2 In Jesus, the Law and the Prophets reach their fullest expression. When it comes to the law, acting as a perfect high priest, he will satisfy the demands of the law through his active and passive obedience, 3 and thereby merit eternal life in God’s presence for all who trust in him. He will also bring the old covenant law to fulfilment, as food laws and the sacrificial system come to an end (Mark 7:19; Hebrews 8:13; Hebrews 10:1–18). 4 The result of his work is that the application of certain commandments (for example, civil and ceremonial laws) are different from what they were before. 5 Serving as our chief prophet (Deuteronomy 18:15, Deuteronomy 18:18), he will make it clear to us where this is the case and expound the true meaning of the law, so that we will know what God requires of us. 6
17 “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.