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Weekly Playlist  |  March 18-24
Sermon on the Mount-Jesus and the Torah
The Meaning of Torah

Reflect on the passage of Scripture below, and then watch a few related resources. As you reflect, consider this question: What is the Torah, and how does Jesus view it?

1
Read - Matthew 5:17-20
Consider While Reading

In Genesis 1, God forms the sky and land simply by his words.

Matthew 5:17-20

Jesus and the Torah

1 min

Don't suppose that I have come to do away with the Torah or the Prophets. I have not come to do away with them, but to fill them full.
Because truly I tell you, until the sky and the land pass on, not one dot or one squiggle will pass on from the Torah until all things have taken place.
Therefore, whoever undoes one of the least of these commands, and then they teach people to do this, that person will be called least in the kingdom of the skies.
And whoever does the commands, and then teaches people to do this, that person will be called great in the kingdom of the skies.
Because truly I tell you, unless your doing-what-is-right far surpasses the scribes and Pharisees, you won't be entering into the kingdom of the skies.
Reflect

Why does Jesus refer to the sky and land when talking about the permanence of God’s word in the Torah and Prophets?

About This Translation
This reading uses a new translation from the BibleProject Scholar Team, which aims to bring fresh language to familiar words while using consistent English terms for Greek words used throughout this part of Scripture.

We'll be adding more translations here in the future, but in the meantime, you can find more translations now on the BibleProject app.
2
Watch - Biblical Themes, The Law (Short Version)
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2:59
HIGHLIGHT

“At Mount Sinai, God makes a covenant with Israel, like an agreement. And all of the laws that Moses gives to Israel are the terms of that agreement. They’re like a constitution. And so some of the laws, they’re about rituals and customs that set Israel apart from the nations. Other laws are about social justice or morality. And by following these, Israel would show the other nations what God is like.”

3
Watch - Insights, Vocab Insight: Torah / Instruction
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1:00
HIGHLIGHT

“Torah means ‘instruction and teaching,’ mainly from God, but also from priests, prophets, wise people, parents, and even friends. Torah sometimes refers to the Hebrew Bible’s first five books. It’s also shorthand for the Hebrew Scriptures as a whole. Torah can also specifically mean laws and rules, like those given through Moses. With these laws, God instructs Israel in ways of love, justice, and generosity.”

4
Listen - The Torah Will Not Pass Away

Chapter from Sermon on the Mount E9

The Torah Will Not Pass Away

5 min

HIGHLIGHT

“Jesus says, ‘I view the Torah as so valuable, here's how I would describe its divine authority: not one little tiny detail …’ He starts talking about the little squiggles of Hebrew letters. They're all important. He says, ‘Until the sky and the land pass on, not one dot or squiggle will pass on from the Torah until all things have taken place.’”

Invite your friends and family to meditate on the teachings of Jesus together.
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