Book of Luke - Chapter 16 - Verse 16

When Jesus spoke the words "The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it", he was highlighting a significant shift in religious thought and practice. The law and the prophets referred to the foundational teachings and prophecies of the Old Testament, which served as a guide for the Jewish people. However, with the arrival of John the Baptist and ultimately Jesus himself, the focus shifted towards the proclamation of the kingdom of God. This kingdom represents a new way of living in alignment with God's will and experiencing His reign in our hearts and in the world. Jesus' message was one of salvation, grace, and the opportunity for all people to enter into a relationship with God through faith. The phrase "every man presseth into it" reflects the eagerness and urgency with which people were seeking to be a part of God's kingdom. It emphasizes the importance of actively pursuing a relationship with God and striving to live according to His teachings.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking about the transition from the Old Testament era to the New Testament era. The "law and the prophets" refer to the Old Testament scriptures which served as the foundation of Jewish religious beliefs and practices. John the Baptist marked a turning point in history, as he prepared the way for Jesus Christ, who brought the message of the kingdom of God. The arrival of Jesus signaled a new era where the focus shifted from strict adherence to the law to the proclamation of the kingdom of God. The phrase "every man presseth into it" suggests the urgency and eagerness with which people were seeking to enter into the kingdom of God under the new covenant. This verse emphasizes the importance of actively pursuing a relationship with God and seeking His kingdom above all else.