Identifying the Core Question

The assertion that if Yeshua came to abolish the law, he should have explicitly stated it, particularly in his conversation with the Pharisees in Matthew 5:17-20, prompts an intriguing exploration of his mission and teachings. Is this a case of a misunderstanding, or did Yeshua have a different agenda than his critics thought?

Paul's Role and Contradictory Claims

Some argue that because the Apostle Paul claims that Yeshua came to abolish the law, he must be a liar. Furthermore, it is stated that even Yeshua and the apostles later claimed he came to fulfill the law, suggesting a contradiction. However, this view does not account for the challenging nature of the laws of the Torah and the unique roles Yeshua had that others did not.

Exceptions Based on Role and Gender

Yeshua did not hold the office of a high priest or a king, and he was neither married, thus not obligated to follow the commandments specific to those roles. He was also not a woman, so he wasn't bound by the specific commandments for women. This leads to the question of whether he was only obligated to fulfill the commandments that pertained to him. Unfortunately, he did not adhere to the commandment of fasting on Yom Kippur (Leviticus 16:29). This raises the question of why he did not fast, leading to debates about his intentions and the fulfillment of the law.

Yeshua's Mission and Mistranslations

Paul Simon Magus, better known as Simon the Sorcerer, was accused of altering or misinterpreting the commandments of the Torah. This raises the concern about the authenticity of the teachings as they were passed through the ages and the potential misunderstandings that could arise. It is crucial to understand that even rabbis sometimes regarded Yeshua's actions and teachings as misguided, leading to the abolition of aspects of the law by his followers.

Preventive Measures and Cross-References

To mitigate the risk of such misconceptions, any book seeking inclusion in the New Testament was required to have a cross-referencing system with the Old Testament. This ensures that any new teachings or interpretations would align with the precepts of the law. Matthew 5:17, where Yeshua says, 'Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them,' is cross-referenced to Isaiah 42:21 and Psalms as mentioned in some Bibles. These cross-references provide a more comprehensive understanding of the context and intended meaning of Yeshua's statement.

Conclusion

Yeshua's mission was multifaceted and uniquely situated in his role as the Messiah. The assertion that he came to abolish the law is a misunderstanding of his intentions and the fulfillment of his mission. The need for cross-referencing in the New Testament underscores the importance of contextual understanding and the complex nature of fulfilling the law. It is crucial to consider the role and context in which Yeshua operated and the unique challenges he faced, rather than a literal or absolute interpretation of the law.