Jumpstarter 9 of 10

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Question 9

Bercot says Matthew 5:17 functions as a warning before Jesus “enacts commandments greater than those of old,” sometimes amplifying Moses and sometimes bringing parts to completion; what does that reveal about God’s wisdom in giving a “greater” law, and how should it shape the way you read disagreements between Jesus and Moses (like divorce)?

Another way to ask: If Jesus warns that he will give stronger commands than before, what does that show about God’s wisdom in giving a “greater” law? How should that shape how you read places where Jesus seems to disagree with Moses, like divorce?

Direct Answer Based on Bercot’s teaching, God wisely prepared people by showing Jesus is not “against Moses” even when He raises, adjusts, or completes parts of the Mosaic law. So when Jesus appears to disagree with Moses (like divorce), we should read it as fulfillment—sometimes amplifying moral demands and sometimes completing temporary, servitude-related commands.

Support from Transcript:

Bercot says he didn’t always see why Matthew 5:17 was there, but early Christians saw it immediately: Jesus was “about to give…legislation” that would sometimes “contradict,” “annul,” or “amplify” Moses.
He uses divorce as the example: hearers might think, “this man is contradicting Moses,” and Jesus “didn’t hesitate” to do so, later explaining why.
Chrysostom: Jesus said this because He was about to “enact commandments greater than those of old,” e.g., not only “do not murder” but “don’t even be angry.”
Bercot explains “fulfill” as “fill full,” meaning make complete, not simply end.
Irenaeus: some laws were for Israel’s “servitude” and “sign,” which Jesus “brought to completion,” while “natural…common” moral laws He “increased and widened.”

Discussion Follow-ups When Jesus intensifies a command, do you treat it as optional “ideals,” or as the intended completion of God’s moral purpose?

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