Do Christians Have to Observe the Old Testament Law?

As we travel to visit family during the holiday season, I am thankful for the interstate highway system. We can pull onto the interstate, set the cruise control at 70mph and arrive at our destination much more quickly than if we had to drive 55 the whole way. I do, however, remember the days when the speed limit was only 55 mph, even on the interstate.
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Times change and laws change but it is comforting to know that our Lord does not change. “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” (Hebrews 13:8) Though our God does not change, do His expectations for us ever change? I think about my own little boys. I expect that my 1 year old not play with electrical cords as he crawls around. My expectation for my 4 year old is that he be completely quite when I tell him to. My 1 year old is not yet ready to understand that.
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As my boys get older they will have more and more rules to both instruct them and to keep them safe, but there will come a time when many of those rules will no longer be needed. For example the rule for them now is that they not go on or near the road unless we are with them. This rule is given to both instruct them of the dangers of traffic and to keep them safe, but as they get older, there will come a day when they will be able to safely go out on the road by themselves.
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Our Christian Bible is divided between the Old and New Testaments. As we look at the Old Testament we see expectations for God’s people that many of today’s Christians ignore. For example, the Hebrews were forbidden to eat unclean animals including pork, yet it is not uncommon to get served a ham sandwich at church.
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Why don’t Christians observe the Old Testament law like the Jews did? The answer is that the Law of Moses was a lot like the rules I give to my little boys. The rules are there to teach so that the boys are prepared for what comes later. Galatians 3:24-25 says, “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.” The Old Testament law that Moses gave was a way to teach people about Christ so that they would come to Him, but now that He has come, that law is no longer needed.
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Not only did Jesus die for our sins, but notice what else was accomplished on the cross. “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.” (Colossians 2:14-17)
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Notice that the ordinances of the Old Testament are nailed to the cross. Sadly some people still judge others for eating pork and not observing certain special days, but Colossians 2:16 tells us that we as Christians should not let anyone judge us for not observing the Mosaic law.
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The law of Moses showed the reality of sin and the reality of sin shows the need for a savior. Jesus Christ is that savior. The Old Testament law was not worthless. It was good, but it’s purpose has been accomplished so we no longer need to observe it. Instead we should learn from it and let it direct us to Christ.