“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.” Matthew 5:20
Jesus just finished saying that He came to fulfill the law and not abolish it. He also stated that no one is supposed to ignore any of the commands. Now Jesus states something that may be difficult for some to accept.
This statement is that your righteousness must surpass the righteousness of the Pharisees and teachers of the law.
The Pharisees and teachers were the leaders of the temple in the days of Jesus. They were the ones to interpret the law and let the people know what it said and required.
One of the things they were known for was telling people to do what they would not do themselves. On the outside they looked great: always walking around in their robes; praying out loud; overseeing all the sacrifices; and knowing the law.
On the inside it was a different story. They would cheat people; would be filled with self-pride; did things to be seen; refused to see the Spirit of the law; and were not true to God.
Even today there are people like that everywhere you look. People who go to church every Sunday, but curse and cheat others at work; never tell others about Jesus and the salvation He provides; watch things that should not be seen; and even live in sinful practice. Some of these people are even in leadership in the church.
You are not saved by doing good works or following the law. You are saved only by repentance and forgiveness of sins by Jesus and His righteousness becomes yours.
Yet, Jesus said you are to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. You will be known by the fruits in your life. Your righteousness will not save you or make you look better to God. But, you are supposed to strive for that righteousness as though depending upon it. This is loving God with everything in you.
If you are truly saved and really love God, you will work at following all the commands of God. In fact Jesus stated that if you love Him you will obey Him. Are you obeying God today, not to look good, but because you love Him?
I pray today that God will fill you with the righteousness of Jesus; that you will follow God with all of your being; that your acts will match your words and belief in Jesus; that you will be the same person on the outside as you are on the inside; and that God will use you to be His witness.
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