Jesus came not to abolish the Law and the Prophets, but to fulfill them. In this Bible class, Shaun Calix explores what “fulfilling” the law really means, why our righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees, and how loving God and loving our neighbor are the heart of Jesus’ teachings.

In this Sunday morning Bible class from Oak Hollow Church of Christ (April 5, 2026), Shaun Calix continues the series on **The Greatest Commandments** by examining Jesus’ declaration in Matthew 5:17-20: “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.”

Shaun addresses common misconceptions about Jesus’ relationship to the Old Testament law, explains why some (especially the Pharisees) thought He was undermining it, and shows how Jesus actually revealed the true intent and heart of the law. The class highlights the importance of a righteousness that goes beyond external rule-keeping to a transformed heart—one that genuinely loves God and loves neighbor.

The lesson also features interactive group discussions on several key passages from the Sermon on the Mount and the Gospels that illustrate practical ways Jesus taught us to love God:
- Avoiding hypocritical, performative righteousness (Matthew 6:1-18)
- True humility in prayer (Luke 18:9-14)
- Laying up treasures in heaven instead of on earth (Matthew 6:19-24)
- Counting the cost of discipleship (Luke 14:25-35)
- Overcoming anxiety by trusting God’s provision (Matthew 6:25-34)
- Obedience as the evidence of love for Christ (John 14:15, 21, 23-24)

This teaching connects Jesus’ ministry, His interactions with the Pharisees, and the central commands to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Perfect for anyone wanting a deeper understanding of how the Old and New Testaments fit together in Christ.

- **0:00** – Introduction & Review of Previous Material (Pharisees, their love for God and the law)
- **4:04** – Matthew 5:17-20: “I have not come to abolish the Law and the Prophets but to fulfill them”
- **5:12** – Class Discussion: What did Jesus mean by “fulfill”?
- **9:49** – Why some thought Jesus was abolishing the law (especially Sabbath examples)
- **13:24** – “Your righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees”
- **17:08** – How loving God and neighbor produces greater righteousness
- **18:05** – Group Breakout Instructions
- **25:16** – Group Reports & Discussion:

- **Group 1** – Matthew 6:1-18 (Avoiding hypocritical righteousness in giving, prayer, and fasting)
- **Group 2** – Luke 18:9-14 (The Pharisee and the Tax Collector – humility in prayer)
- **Group 3** – Matthew 6:19-24 (Treasures in heaven vs. earth; the lamp of the body)
- **Group 4** – Luke 14:25-35 (Counting the cost of discipleship; salt that loses its saltiness)
- **Group 5** – Matthew 6:25-34 (Do not be anxious; trust God’s provision)
- **Group 6** – John 14:15, 21, 23-24 (“If you love me, you will keep my commandments”)
- **35:16** – Closing Remarks & Prayer