Implicit in Jesus’ warning is the idea that his disciples will go on to teach others (Matthew 28:18–20). 1 The desire to break commandments and teach others to do the same possibly stems from a misunderstanding of the fulfillment that Jesus brings. Some of his disciples might be tempted to think that he has done away with all the laws that were previously revealed, 2 as if Christians are not bound to submit to God’s law in response to Christ’s salvation (see Romans 5:20–6:4). This kind of thinking would be challenged also by the apostle Paul when he affirms that the law is good (Romans 7:12, Romans 7:14), that love is the fulfillment of the law (Romans 13:8–10; Galatians 5:13–14), and that Christian obedience to Jesus involves keeping the requirements of the law in response to God’s grace (Romans 8:1–4). 3
19 Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.