Some commentators understand those who break the commandments to be those who reject Jesus. These people are not part of the kingdom, and therefore, Jesus is affirming that our eternal destiny depends on our response to his Word. This is a graphic testimony to his authority. 1 Alternatively, Jesus is emphasizing the fact that those who follow him cannot pick and choose among his commandments. They must submit to everything that he teaches. To cast off one command or principle is to ignore Jesus and cast off the law as a whole. 2 This seems to be the more natural understanding of what Jesus is saying; he wants to encourage his disciples to submit to all aspects of his teaching.
19 Celui donc qui supprimera l'un de ces plus petits commandements, et qui enseignera aux hommes à faire de même, sera appelé le plus petit dans le royaume des cieux; mais celui qui les observera, et qui enseignera à les observer, celui-là sera appelé grand dans le royaume des cieux.