The Ten Commandments and the Teachings of Jesus: A Theological, Cultural, and Political Exposition
1. Introduction
The teachings of Jesus Christ represent a climactic moment in the history of biblical law. Far from abolishing the Law of Moses, Jesus clarifies, fulfils, and intensifies its moral meaning. This article explores how the teachings of Jesus—particularly as expressed in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7)—both align with and advance the Ten Commandments given at Sinai. From the thunder of Sinai to the gentle authority of Galilee, we trace a continuous thread of divine righteousness rearticulated through the life and words of Christ.
2. Jesus’ Relationship to the Law
Jesus’ position toward the Mosaic Law is best summarised in His statement:
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them.”
— Matthew 5:17, NRSV
The Greek term for “fulfil” (plēroō) means to bring to fullness, to complete or to embody fully. Jesus neither cancels the moral law nor merely repeats it. Instead, He embodies its true intention, revealing the deeper heart-orientation that the law aimed to produce.
This is reinforced by the next verse:
“For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished.”
— Matthew 5:18
Jesus affirms the abiding moral weight of the law even while transitioning God’s people from a written code to Spirit-empowered obedience (Rom. 8:3–4).
3. The Mount of Beatitudes: A New Covenant Discourse
The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) mirrors in structure and tone the giving of the law at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19–20). Just as Moses ascended a mountain to receive the law, Jesus “went up on a mountainside… and began to teach” (Matt. 5:1–2).
But where Sinai was marked by fear and fire (Exod. 19:16–19), the Mount of Beatitudes is marked by grace and invitation. The Beatitudes (Matt. 5:3–12) begin not with a prohibition but with a blessing: “Blessed are the poor in spirit…”
This signals a shift in tone: Jesus is not relaxing the law, but inviting people into a kingdom ethic that begins with internal transformation and results in external righteousness.
4. Jesus’ Reinterpretation of Specific Commandments
In Matthew 5:21–48, Jesus addresses six specific laws, including several drawn directly from the Ten Commandments. Each begins with the formula: “You have heard that it was said… But I say to you…” This is not contradiction, but authoritative exposition—revealing the law’s original moral depth.
a. Murder → Anger and Contempt
“You shall not murder… But I say… anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be liable to judgment.”
— Matthew 5:21–22; cf. Exodus 20:13
Jesus exposes that the root of murder—hatred, insult, and unforgiveness—is already a moral violation.
b. Adultery → Lust and Inner Purity
“You shall not commit adultery… But I say… anyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
— Matthew 5:27–28; cf. Exodus 20:14
Here, Jesus moves the boundary line from behaviour to desire, calling for purity in thought and will.
c. Oaths → Simple Honesty
“Do not swear falsely… But I say… let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No’…”
— Matthew 5:33–37; cf. Exodus 20:7
Jesus shifts the focus from oath-keeping to truthful living, aligning with the third commandment’s concern for reverence and integrity.
d. Retribution → Mercy and Forgiveness
“You have heard… ‘An eye for an eye’… But I say… turn the other cheek.”
— Matthew 5:38–42; cf. Exodus 21:24
Jesus advocates for radical non-retaliation, challenging the misuse of judicial laws for personal vengeance.
5. The Law of Love: Jesus’ Ethical Framework
The core of Jesus’ reinterpretation is the law of love—not sentimental emotion, but covenantal fidelity to God and neighbour.
“On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
— Matthew 22:40
Rather than functioning as legal minimums, the commandments become moral launchpads toward deeper righteousness.
Paul summarises this well:
“The commandments… are summed up in this word, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ Love does no wrong to a neighbour; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.”
— Romans 13:9–10
This does not render the Ten Commandments obsolete, but reorients them in the context of Christ’s Kingdom. They are now lived out not as external pressure, but through grace-fuelled desire.
6. The Political and Religious Context of Jesus’ Teachings
Jesus’ reinterpretation of the law occurs within the pressurised context of Roman occupation and Pharisaic religiosity.
- The Pharisees emphasised scrupulous law-keeping, often elevating oral traditions above the heart of Scripture (Matt. 15:3–9).
- The Sadducees controlled the temple and were aligned with Roman power, diluting prophetic ethics in favour of institutional stability.
- The Zealots advocated violent resistance, breaking the sixth commandment in the name of national liberation.
Jesus critiques all of them. His call to love enemies (Matt. 5:43–48), renounce anger, and practice righteousness that exceeds the Pharisees (Matt. 5:20) transcends politics and pierces human hearts.
7. Spiritual Transformation and the Law
One of the most revolutionary aspects of Jesus’ teaching is that obedience is no longer merely behavioural—it flows from the inner life transformed by grace.
This aligns with prophetic anticipation:
“I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts…”
— Jeremiah 31:33
Through the indwelling Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:4; Gal. 5:16–25), the moral law is not abolished but internalised—empowering a new way of life in step with God’s character.
8. Conclusion
From Mount Sinai to the Mount of Beatitudes, the moral will of God remains unchanged. Yet in Jesus, the Law takes on a new form—not as external code, but as Kingdom ethic. The Ten Commandments are fulfilled in the Person, teaching, and redemptive work of Christ. As we proceed through each commandment in the coming entries, we will see how the teachings of Jesus illuminate their deeper meaning, call us to higher righteousness, and reveal the heart of the Father behind the law.