Luke 16:18

"But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tiny stroke of a pen in the law to fall."

Key Reflection

In Luke 16:18, Jesus emphasizes the permanence and unalterability of God’s laws. This statement reflects the cultural context where written laws were considered sacred and immutable, even more so than physical realities like the heavens and earth. By saying it is easier for these natural elements to pass away than for a minor detail in the law to change, Jesus underscores the importance and divine authority behind the Mosaic Law, suggesting that its principles are eternal and binding.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 18. See Barnes "Mt 5:32". These verses occur in Matthew in a different order, and it is not improbable that they were spoken by our Saviour at different times. The design, here, seems to be to reprove the Pharisees for not observing the law of Moses, notwithstanding their great pretensions to external righteousness, and to show them that they had really departed from the law. {m} "putteth away his wife" Mt 5:32; 1 Co 7:10,11 __________________________________________________________________

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