Single lesson
Jesus and the Law
Matthew 5:17–20
Jesus speaks clearly about the Law and the Prophets in the Sermon on the Mount. In these verses, he explains that he did not come to destroy them, and he warns his hearers to take God’s commands seriously.
Before you teach
This passage sits within Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5. Here he speaks about the law, the prophets, commandments, righteousness, and the Kingdom of Heaven. The focus is on how his coming relates to what God has already given, and on the seriousness of doing and teaching God’s commands.
Students will be able to explain from Matthew 5:17–20 that Jesus says he came to fulfil the Law and the Prophets, that God’s law is treated seriously, and that kingdom righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees.
Welcome: What does Jesus mean by fulfil?
6 minBegin by writing the words destroy and fulfil where everyone can see them. Ask students to listen for both words as the passage is read aloud. Briefly explain that Jesus is correcting a wrong idea about his mission. He says he did not come to destroy the law or the prophets, but to fulfil them.
Matthew 5:17
Read and explain: The law remains weighty
10 minRead all four verses slowly. Point out how strongly Jesus speaks in verse 18. He says not even the smallest letter or tiny pen stroke will pass from the law until all things are accomplished. Explain that this shows the law is not treated as disposable or unimportant in Jesus’ teaching.
Matthew 5:17, Matthew 5:18
Discuss: Doing and teaching
8 minFocus on verse 19. Ask students to notice the two patterns Jesus names: breaking commandments and teaching others to do the same, or doing them and teaching them. Discuss how Jesus connects personal obedience with influence on others. Keep the discussion anchored in what the verse actually says about the Kingdom of Heaven.
Matthew 5:19
Make and respond: Reminder card for kingdom righteousness
10 minStudents choose one phrase from the passage, such as fulfill, least commandments, do and teach, or exceeds. They create a small reminder card with the phrase on one side and a realistic response on the other, such as taking Jesus’ words seriously in speech or behaviour. Share examples and check that each response fits the passage.
Matthew 5:17, Matthew 5:19, Matthew 5:20
Closing: A greater righteousness
6 minFinish with verse 20. Explain that Jesus says righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Ask students to summarise the passage in one or two sentences using the text’s own words: fulfil, commandments, righteousness, and Kingdom of Heaven. End by reviewing the main point together.
Matthew 5:20, Matthew 5:17, Matthew 5:19
Questions to explore
Why does Jesus begin with, ‘Don’t think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets’?
Look at the contrast in verse 17 and explain Jesus’ own answer in his words: he did not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
Matthew 5:17
What does verse 18 add to our understanding of how seriously Jesus speaks about the law?
Notice the picture of the smallest letter and tiny pen stroke, and the phrase ‘until all things are accomplished’.
Matthew 5:18
According to verses 19 and 20, how are obedience, teaching, and righteousness connected?
Compare the person who breaks and teaches others to break commandments with the person who does and teaches them, then include Jesus’ warning about righteousness exceeding that of the scribes and Pharisees.
Matthew 5:19, Matthew 5:20
Make, think or respond
Key Phrase Reminder Card
What you’ll need
- Plain card or paper
- Pens or pencils
- Markers
- Bible text
Try it together
- Ask each student to choose one key phrase from Matthew 5:17–20.
- On one side of a small card, write the chosen phrase clearly.
- On the other side, write one realistic example of taking that phrase seriously in daily life.
- Invite students to share their card and explain why their phrase matters in this passage.
This activity helps students focus on Jesus’ own words about fulfilment, commandments, and righteousness in Matthew 5:17–20.
Adapt for your group
- For younger or less confident readers, pre-write four key phrases from the passage and let students choose one instead of finding their own.
- For stronger readers, ask them to compare the emphasis of each verse and explain how verse 20 builds on verses 17–19.
An optional closing prayer
‘Lord Jesus, please help us listen carefully to your words, take them seriously, and grow in true righteousness before you.’
Read the Bible passage World English Bible Classic
Matthew 5
17 “Don’t think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn’t come to destroy, but to fulfill.
18 For most certainly, I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not even one smallest letter or one tiny pen stroke shall in any way pass away from the law, until all things are accomplished.
19 Therefore, whoever shall break one of these least commandments and teach others to do so, shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but whoever shall do and teach them shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.
20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.
World English Bible Classic. Public domain.