I. Introduction: Why Did God Do It That Way?
- Many struggle with Old Testament laws and harsh penalties.
- God’s laws seem severe but have a divine purpose.
- Same God who gave the Law stopped the stoning in John 8.
- Today’s goal: Understand why the Law was given, who it was for, and how it leads to Jesus.
II. Why Was the Mosaic Law Given? (Purpose of the Law)
A. God’s Holiness Requires Justice
- God is holy — sin separates us from Him (Isaiah 59:2).
- Sin brings death (Romans 6:23, Romans 5:12).
B. The Law Restrained Sin and Taught Holiness
- Without laws, chaos and evil flourish (Judges 21:25, Proverbs 14:12).
- The Law set boundaries for a broken world.
- Revealed God’s character (Leviticus 19:2).
C. The Law Exposed Sin
- It revealed humanity’s deep sinfulness (Romans 7:7).
- It made people aware they needed salvation.
D. The Law Pointed Toward Jesus
- It was temporary and preparatory (Galatians 3:24).
- Sacrifices and laws foreshadowed Christ’s perfect sacrifice.
III. Who Was the Law For? (Understanding the Context)
A. The Law Was Given to Israel
- It was a covenant between God and His chosen people (Deuteronomy 4:13, Exodus 19:5-6).
- It shaped Israel into a holy and distinct nation.
B. The Law Provided Justice in a Violent World
- Protected the vulnerable (Deuteronomy 10:18).
- Balanced justice with fairness (Exodus 21:24).
C. The Law Was Temporary
- Never intended to be permanent (Hebrews 10:1).
- A shadow pointing forward to Christ (Colossians 2:17).
IV. How Does It Point to Jesus? (The Fulfillment of the Law)
A. Jesus Fulfilled the Law, Not Abolished It
- Matthew 5:17 — Jesus completes the Law’s purpose.
B. Jesus Became the Final Sacrifice
- No more sacrifices needed (Hebrews 10:10).
- He bore the punishment we deserved (Isaiah 53:5).
C. Jesus Replaces the Shadow with the Reality
- The Law pointed to Him (Colossians 2:17).
- Now we live by grace, not works (Romans 10:4, Ephesians 2:8-9).
V. Why the Law Seemed So Harsh (God’s Justice and Grace)
A. Sin Deserved Judgment
- Sin has always led to death (Genesis 2:17, Romans 6:23).
- The Law revealed the seriousness of sin.
B. The Law Proved We Couldn’t Save Ourselves
- It exposed sin but couldn’t fix it (Romans 3:20, Hebrews 10:4).
C. Jesus Took the Judgment for Us
- Jesus bore the punishment of the Law (Isaiah 53:5).
- The Gospel shows justice and mercy together (Romans 5:8).
D. Jesus Brought a New Covenant
- No condemnation now in Christ (Romans 8:1-2).
- We live under grace, not law (John 3:17).
E. The Law’s True Purpose Was Jesus
- To reveal sin, show our need, and prepare us for redemption.
- Jesus is the fulfillment of everything the Law pointed to.
VI. Why Do Loss and Suffering Still Happen? (Hope in a Fallen World)
A. We Live in a Broken, Fallen World
- Sin broke creation (Genesis 1:31, Romans 5:12).
- Death and suffering are consequences of sin’s curse.
B. God Grieves With Us
- Jesus wept at Lazarus’ death (John 11:35).
- God is close to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18).
C. Jesus Came to Destroy Death
- Jesus defeated death through resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:26).
- Future hope: No more sorrow or death (Revelation 21:4).
D. Some Questions Remain Unanswered
- God’s ways are higher (Isaiah 55:8-9).
- But He promises every tear will have purpose.
E. Hope for Those Who Grieve
- Jesus promised eternal life (John 11:25-26).
- Mourning is temporary — joy is coming (Psalm 30:5).
VII. Closing Challenge: Grace Is the Answer
- The Law was necessary to show sin and justice.
- Jesus is necessary to bring grace and salvation.
- God is holy, just, and loving — and offers redemption through Jesus.
Invitation
- If you’ve never trusted Jesus, today is the day.
- If you carry grief, know He sees, He knows, and He promises restoration.
- The cross changes everything — and gives hope in life and in death.