The Scriptures show that it was essential for Jesus to be born under the law and to obey it all (Romans 8:2; Hebrews 5:7-9). The same Scriptures report how Jesus’ death ended the law, and launched the New Covenant for all believers. Nevertheless, some people remain confused. Some try to hold onto their preferred parts of the law by claiming to follow the example of Jesus. But they always face the same question: “Are they consistent about following Jesus’ example?” After all, Jesus obeyed every law given by Moses. Do they follow His example in that, or do they select a few favorite laws? Do they ignore other examples that are equally obvious?
- Do they pay to the Jews the regular religious tax as the law required and as Jesus did? (Matthew 17:24-27)
- Do they use the Levitical priests and their animal offerings? (Luke 5:14; 17:14)
- Do they keep each Saturday as a day of complete rest? (Luke 4:16; the law also applied the death penalty to Sabbath-breaking, Exodus 31:14-15.)
- Do they kill the Passover lamb, and eat it with the required foods? (Mark 14:14).
- Do they go to Jerusalem three times a year for the Jewish feasts? (Exodus 23:14-17; John 5:1; 7:2,10)
- Do they circumcise on the eighth day as Jesus was circumcised? (Luke 2:21)
- Do they offer the sacrifice of two birds “according to what is said in the Law of the Lord”? (Luke 2:21-24)
If any answer is “No,” then questions of consistency naturally arise. Do the examples of Jesus really serve in the way some claim?