The Ten Commandments, given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai, form the foundation of moral and spiritual law in the Bible. Found in Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21, they guide believers in their relationship with God and others.
A common question among Christians is: Did Jesus reaffirm all 10 Commandments? Some argue that Jesus replaced or abolished the Law, while others believe He upheld it. To answer this, we must examine Jesus’ teachings and how He referenced the Ten Commandments in the New Testament.
Jesus and the Law: Did He Abolish or Fulfill It?
Jesus’ Statement on the Law
Jesus made His stance on the Law clear in Matthew 5:17-18:
“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.”
This statement shows that Jesus did not abolish the Ten Commandments but rather fulfilled them by perfectly obeying them and teaching their deeper spiritual significance.
Jesus Emphasized Obedience
Jesus reinforced the importance of obeying God’s commands in John 14:15:
“If you love Me, keep My commandments.”
This aligns with the Old Testament, where love for God is demonstrated through obedience (Deuteronomy 6:5-6).
Did Jesus Reaffirm Each of the Ten Commandments?
Let’s examine whether Jesus reaffirmed all ten of the commandments in His teachings.
1. The First Commandment: You Shall Have No Other Gods Before Me
- Old Testament: Exodus 20:3
- Jesus’ Teaching: Matthew 4:10 – “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.”
Jesus affirmed that God alone should be worshipped and served, rejecting idolatry and placing God as the highest priority.
2. The Second Commandment: You Shall Not Make Idols
- Old Testament: Exodus 20:4-6
- Jesus’ Teaching: John 4:24 – “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
Jesus condemned idolatry and emphasized true, spiritual worship rather than physical representations.
3. The Third Commandment: You Shall Not Take the Name of the Lord in Vain
- Old Testament: Exodus 20:7
- Jesus’ Teaching: Matthew 6:9 – “Hallowed be Your name.”
Jesus taught His followers to treat God’s name with reverence and holiness.
4. The Fourth Commandment: Remember the Sabbath Day, to Keep It Holy
- Old Testament: Exodus 20:8-11
- Jesus’ Teaching: Mark 2:27-28 – “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Therefore the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.”
Jesus did not abolish the Sabbath but corrected its misuse. He observed the Sabbath and taught its true purpose.
5. The Fifth Commandment: Honor Your Father and Your Mother
- Old Testament: Exodus 20:12
- Jesus’ Teaching: Matthew 15:4 – “For God commanded, saying, ‘Honor your father and your mother.’”
Jesus directly quoted and affirmed this commandment, condemning those who neglected their parents.
6. The Sixth Commandment: You Shall Not Murder
- Old Testament: Exodus 20:13
- Jesus’ Teaching: Matthew 5:21-22 – “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder’… But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment.”
Jesus expanded this commandment, teaching that even hatred and anger violate its principle.
7. The Seventh Commandment: You Shall Not Commit Adultery
- Old Testament: Exodus 20:14
- Jesus’ Teaching: Matthew 5:27-28 – “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
Jesus deepened this commandment by addressing the root of adultery—lustful thoughts.
8. The Eighth Commandment: You Shall Not Steal
- Old Testament: Exodus 20:15
- Jesus’ Teaching: Matthew 19:18 – “You shall not steal.”
Jesus reaffirmed this commandment and taught the importance of honesty and integrity.
9. The Ninth Commandment: You Shall Not Bear False Witness
- Old Testament: Exodus 20:16
- Jesus’ Teaching: Matthew 19:18 – “You shall not bear false witness.”
Jesus emphasized truthfulness and condemned lying. He also said in Matthew 5:37, “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’”
10. The Tenth Commandment: You Shall Not Covet
- Old Testament: Exodus 20:17
- Jesus’ Teaching: Luke 12:15 – “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”
Jesus warned against greed and materialism, reinforcing the command against coveting.
Did Jesus Change or Replace the Ten Commandments?
While Jesus reaffirmed all ten commandments, He also expanded their meaning. He taught that obedience should come from the heart, not just external actions.
In Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus summarized the Law with two great commandments:
Love God (First to Fourth Commandments) – “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.”
Love Your Neighbor (Fifth to Tenth Commandments) – “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Rather than replacing the Ten Commandments, Jesus clarified their deeper purpose: love. True obedience to God’s law stems from love for Him and others.
Are the Ten Commandments Still Relevant Today?
Yes! Jesus affirmed that they are still valid for His followers. In John 15:10, He said:
“If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.”
Following the Ten Commandments is not about legalism but about living a life of love, integrity, and faithfulness to God.
Conclusion
Jesus did not abolish the Ten Commandments; He reaffirmed and deepened their meaning. He taught that true obedience comes from a heart filled with love for God and others. The Ten Commandments remain relevant today as a guide to righteous living, helping believers walk in God’s ways.
By following Jesus’ teachings, we uphold the same moral and spiritual principles that God has given since the beginning. Through love, faith, and obedience, we fulfill His commandments and reflect His light in the world.
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