The “Torah and Prophets” refers to the Hebrew Bible, which tells the story of God calling all of humanity to partner with him to rule the world with peace and justice.

How might Jesus’ first audience have understood Jesus saying that he was going to fulfill the story of the Hebrew Bible?

“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.”

“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.”

“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.’”