The Law is a Nanny
"We were kept under control by Moses’ laws until this faith came. We were under their control until this faith which was about to come would be revealed. Before Christ came, Moses’ laws served as our guardian. Christ came so that we could receive God’s approval by faith. But now that this faith has come, we are no longer under the control of a guardian." (Galatians 3:23-25- GOD'S WORD)
The Greek word translated guardian or tutor is difficult to translate because in our culture we have no position equivalent to it. It has been translated school master, child-custodian, child-attendant, guardian, instructor, and guide. In Greek and Romans times, this person, usually a slave, had the duty of escorting the master’s children to and from school. They also were responsible for the children’s behavior. They were often harsh and cruel in disciplining the children. According to John Stott, this guardian was “usually depicted in ancient drawings with a rod or cane in his hand.” (The Message of Galatians: Only One Way, InterVaristy Press, 1968)
I would say the closest thing that we have to this position in our society is a nanny. She escorts the children, disciplines the children and is responsible for them. The Law is our nanny.
The Law was designed to escort people to Christ. The Law shows a person that he is guilty. The Law imprisons a person so they can see their hopelessness. The Law tells us that we need a Saviour to rescue us. The Law should make a person look for a redeemer, for Christ, for Jesus.
Once the Law has brought us to Christ, it has fulfilled its purpose. Once a Roman child became an adult, they no longer needed a guardian, a nanny. After Christ came in the flesh, the Law is no longer required. The Law, the judge, the prison guard, the nanny can retire.
The Greek word translated guardian or tutor is difficult to translate because in our culture we have no position equivalent to it. It has been translated school master, child-custodian, child-attendant, guardian, instructor, and guide. In Greek and Romans times, this person, usually a slave, had the duty of escorting the master’s children to and from school. They also were responsible for the children’s behavior. They were often harsh and cruel in disciplining the children. According to John Stott, this guardian was “usually depicted in ancient drawings with a rod or cane in his hand.” (The Message of Galatians: Only One Way, InterVaristy Press, 1968)
I would say the closest thing that we have to this position in our society is a nanny. She escorts the children, disciplines the children and is responsible for them. The Law is our nanny.
The Law was designed to escort people to Christ. The Law shows a person that he is guilty. The Law imprisons a person so they can see their hopelessness. The Law tells us that we need a Saviour to rescue us. The Law should make a person look for a redeemer, for Christ, for Jesus.
Once the Law has brought us to Christ, it has fulfilled its purpose. Once a Roman child became an adult, they no longer needed a guardian, a nanny. After Christ came in the flesh, the Law is no longer required. The Law, the judge, the prison guard, the nanny can retire.
posted by David Frank Wilson | 7:32 AM
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