Matthew 5:20 “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”

I feel sure that some who heard this at the time despaired, because the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees were the “good guys” of the day when it came to obeying the Levitical Law. However, as came out again and again throughout Jesus’ ministry, they were hypocritical, trusting in their obedience to legal minutiae while ignoring the purpose behind the Law. Jesus Himself was often accused as a “Lawbreaker,” because of such things as ritual washing and working on the Sabbath. From that standpoint, He clearly isn’t talking about those things when He talks about the Law. However, that is an analysis that would not only be worthy of a doctoral dissertation, it could quite possibly spawn a new denomination! It would at the very least create enemies within the Body of Christ. I feel the biggest point of this verse is that our righteousness, our doing the right things, must come from within, rather than being slavish adherence to an external code. This is what Paul was talking about when he said that we are not under law, but under grace. (Romans 6:14) From Abraham on, (Genesis 15:6) the Bible makes it clear that our motives are the determining factor in whether we are doing the right thing, that is, righteous. If we do what we do because of faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God who loved us, gave Himself for us, and rose on the third day, then we are doing the right thing.

This is, of course, the message that I preach, and hopefully live by. It’s not necessarily an easy message, because it eliminates any vestige of room for pride. (Ephesians 2:8-10) I am to live my life in gratitude for the grace of God and teach others to do the same. I am never to play fast and loose with Biblical regulations, which Jesus talked about in the verses ahead of this one, but the focus of my life and my teaching must be on Jesus Himself. It’s as John said: “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17)

Father, thank You for this reminder. I have run into many legalistic Christians, as well as people who were essentially scofflaws. Help me walk in full submission and obedience to You, which includes rejoicing in Your grace, so that I may lead many out of the assorted traps of the enemy to walk in all that You intend for us, for our blessing and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!