Daily text, Friday, March 31. 2017

[Queen Esther]

Before the faith arrived, we were being guarded under law. . . . So the Law became our guardian leading to Christ.—Gal. 3:23, 24.

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2017/3/31

The Mosaic Law acted as a protective wall against the degraded moral and religious acts of other nations. When Israel listened to God, the nation received his blessing. When they ignored him, they suffered dire consequences. (Deut. 28:1, 2, 15) Directions were needed for another reason. The Law pointed to an important development as to Jehovah’s will. That was the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The Law made it clear as never before that the Israelites were imperfect. It also impressed on them the need for a ransom, a perfect sacrifice that would fully cover sin. (Gal. 3:19; Heb. 10:1-10) Furthermore, the Law helped to preserve the genealogical line leading to the Messiah and to identify him when he appeared. Yes, the Law acted as a temporary tutor, or “guardian,” leading to Christ. w16.03 4:6, 7