What does Jesus say about Torah?

The Torah, comprising the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, holds a foundational place in Jewish religious life as a source of law, history, and identity. For Christians, understanding Jesus’ relationship to the Torah is key to interpreting his teachings and the continuity between Judaism and Christianity.

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus frequently references the Torah, engages with its commandments, and debates its interpretation with religious leaders of his time. This blog post explores what Jesus says about the Torah in the New Testament, how he interprets its laws, and what his approach means for his followers.

Jesus Affirms the Authority of the Torah

One of the most significant statements Jesus makes about the Torah is found in the Gospel of Matthew. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says, “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. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished” (Matthew 5:17-18, ESV). Here, “the Law” refers to the Torah.

Jesus’ words make it clear that he respects the authority and enduring relevance of the Torah. He positions himself not as a destroyer or radical opponent of the law, but as one who brings its true intention to completion. This affirmation reassures his Jewish audience that his ministry is not a rejection of their tradition but a continuation and fulfillment of it.

Interpreting and Deepening the Torah’s Commandments

While affirming the Torah, Jesus also offers a distinctive interpretation of its commandments. In the Sermon on the Mount, he famously expands upon several laws. For example, regarding the commandment, “You shall not murder,” Jesus teaches, “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment” (Matthew 5:22). Similarly, he intensifies the commandment against adultery, warning that even lustful thoughts are sinful (Matthew 5:27-28).

Through these teachings, Jesus emphasizes the spirit behind the law rather than mere external compliance. He calls for an inward transformation of the heart, urging his followers to pursue not only righteous actions but also righteous intentions. This approach does not discard the Torah but seeks to reveal its deeper meaning.

Challenging Human Traditions Versus Divine Law

Jesus often confronts religious leaders, such as the Pharisees and scribes, over their interpretation and application of the Torah. He criticizes them for prioritizing human traditions over God’s commandments. In Mark 7:6-8, Jesus quotes Isaiah, saying, “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” He then accuses them of abandoning the commandment of God to hold to human tradition.

In these encounters, Jesus distinguishes between the Torah itself and the layers of tradition that have accumulated around it. He calls his audience back to the Torah’s core principles—justice, mercy, and faithfulness—rather than external rituals or legalistic interpretations.

The Greatest Commandments: Love God and Neighbor

When asked which commandment is greatest, Jesus replies by quoting Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18, both from the Torah: “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 22:37-40).

By highlighting these commandments, Jesus emphasizes that the heart of the Torah is love—love for God and love for others. He teaches that all other laws and teachings must be understood in light of these fundamental principles.

Jesus and the Fulfillment of the Torah

The Gospels present Jesus as the fulfillment of the Torah’s promises and prophecies. He is portrayed as the Messiah who embodies the law and brings about its ultimate purpose. In Luke 24:44, after his resurrection, Jesus tells his disciples, “Everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”

For early Christians, this meant that Jesus did not nullify the Torah but revealed its fullest meaning. His life, teachings, and sacrificial death were seen as the culmination of the law’s aims—to bring people into right relationship with God and one another.

Conclusion: Jesus’ Enduring Respect for the Torah

Jesus’ teachings show profound respect for the Torah, both affirming its authority and calling for a deeper, more heartfelt obedience to its principles. He challenges legalism and empty ritual, urging his followers to seek the heart of the law—love, justice, and faithfulness.