It is important to note that even in Exodus and Deuteronomy these commandments do not stand on their own, they are expounded on in the following texts. And in the New Testament Jesus gives them new meaning. No, he did not do away with them, he brought us to a full understanding, like moving from paint-by-numbers to paint like Picasso.

Jesus did so in Matthew 22:34-40, quoted below.

The Greatest Commandment

Matthew 22:

34⁠

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together.

35⁠

One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question:

36⁠

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

⁠

37⁠

Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ c

38⁠

This is the first and greatest commandment.

39⁠

And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ d

40⁠

All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

The Ten Commandments is not simply a list of do’s and don’ts; rather consider them as headings for a list of topics with advice for life. Or alternatively as a skeleton to be filled with flesh and blood. They are generally divided into two tables; the first deals with our relationship with God, the second with our personal human relationships.

In Matthew Jesus adds the flesh and bones onto the skeleton.

Each heading has both a positive and a negative meaning. For example thou shalt not kill, not only means not to kill, but to also protect and preserve the life of your neighbour, as well as your own.

Each heading has a physical and spiritual aspect. Thou shalt not kill, then addresses much more than physical murder, it also wants us to not hate, but love our neighbour.

The Law of Jesus⁠

⁠

Thou Shalt Honor Your Father and Mother - Authority⁠

Thou Shalt not Kill - Life is a gift from God⁠

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Thou Shalt not Commit Adultery - Family Unit⁠

Thou Shalt not Steal - Property Rights and Obligations⁠

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Thou Shalt not give False Witness - Truthful Communication⁠

Thou Shalt not Covet They Neighbour's Property - Intentions⁠

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