Definition: Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this really important verse from Matthew 5:17. It’s a bit complex, but it’s about how Jesus sees his followers and their relationship with God. Here's the simple explanation: Basically, Jesus isn’t saying he’s coming to destroy the law or the prophets. That sounds scary, right? But it’s a much more nuanced message. He’s saying he’s coming to fulfill them. Let’s unpack that a little further: “Think not that I am come to destroy…” – This is about how we think . We often think of laws and rules as something to be broken, or something that’s going to cause problems. Jesus is saying he's coming to change our perspective on these things. He wants us to stop focusing on what’s wrong and start thinking about what’s right. "...but to fulfil." – This is the key part! “Fulfill” means to complete, to carry out, or to make something happen. Jesus isn't coming to destroy anything. He's coming to complete what has already been established by God in the law and prophets. Think of it like this: Imagine a blueprint for building a house. The blueprint tells you what needs to be done – the walls, the roof, etc. It doesn’t say "destroy everything!" It says “build” and “complete.” Jesus is saying he’s coming to complete what God has already started with the law and prophets. Why is this important? Jesus wants us to understand that: God's Law & Prophets are Important: He recognizes that these things are important for guiding our lives and living a righteous life. We’re Called to Live Rightly: He’s giving us a way to live in accordance with God’s will, not just blindly following rules. In short, Jesus is offering a new perspective – one of completion and purpose. He wants us to understand that he's not here to punish us, but to help us live a life that honors Him and brings about His kingdom. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how we can apply this idea to our lives?