Jesus did not invalidate the law and the words of the prophets but fulfilled them, revealing the full intent and significance of what was set forth in the sacred writings. Through his example and teaching, he showed what it meant to live according to the spirit of the law and the admonition of the prophets. With a solemn “amen” (truly), Jesus revealed that there was a greater likelihood for heaven and earth (the realm in which humans find themselves for a few decades) to pass away than for one iota or one tiny part of a letter to pass away from the law without everything taking place. Jesus carried out his activity fully within the framework of the law, not deviating from its purpose in any respect. (Matthew 5:17, 18)

Like the Hebrew letter yod, the Greek letter iota is the smallest letter of the alphabet. According to the Greek text, the word “horn” (keraía) denotes a small part or stroke of a letter. In Hebrew, for example, a slight difference distinguishes the daleth (D) from the resh (R), and so even a small change in a letter can alter the meaning. Jesus’ solemn declaration made it clear that his life and teaching upheld the lofty principles of the law in every way.

Anyone disregarding or nullifying even one of the least commandments, or a command that related to less serious aspects of life, and teaching others to this effect would be “called least in the kingdom of the heavens.” Individuals doing so would be setting themselves against God, the Lawgiver, and would thereby demonstrate that they did not want him as their Sovereign. Accordingly, they would be “least in the kingdom of the heavens” or, in actuality, have no share in the realm where he is recognized as King and in the privileges and blessings associated with this realm. Those who endeavored to live up to the law and taught others to do likewise demonstrated a proper regard for the Lawgiver and would be “called great in the kingdom of the heavens.” As persons who humbly acknowledged God as their King and willingly submitted to his upright ways, they would be part of his realm and “great” from his standpoint. Their greatness would stem from their being recognized by him as his devoted servants. (Matthew 5:19)

The Son of God stressed the need for living according to the highest standard of uprightness. The kind of righteousness characteristic of the scribes and Pharisees fell far short of what God required. (Matthew 5:20) Their righteousness was merely an insistence on the letter of the law according to revered traditional interpretations and was devoid of genuine love, justice, and compassion. It was a righteousness that distorted the truth about the Lawgiver, for it did not reveal him to others as a “merciful and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in kindness and fidelity, continuing his kindness for a thousand generations, and forgiving wickedness and crime and sin; yet not declaring the guilty guiltless.” (Exodus 34:6)

In disposition, word, and deed, the scribes and Pharisees failed to sanctify God’s name or made him to appear before others as lacking in love and compassion. Their persistence in this course stood in the way of entrance into the kingdom. They and those whose righteousness did not exceed theirs would not be approved servants in God’s realm. Similarly, centuries earlier, when Moses and Aaron failed to sanctify God’s name by misrepresenting him to the Israelites in word and action, they lost out on being able to enter the Promised Land. (Numbers 20:10-12)

Note:

On another occasion, in remarks directed to the Pharisees, Jesus pointed out that the law would not pass away without being fulfilled. (Luke 16:14, 17)