THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 5:17-20
“Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees… you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:20)
The Pharisees were the most righteous Jews of their day.
We cannot surpass their scrupulous religiosity!
But Jesus is NOT calling for the same kind of righteousness, only stronger.
He is speaking of a different kind of righteousness altogether, one that surpasses theirs.
“For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed — a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’ (Romans 1:17)
The ONLY way we can attain God’s level of righteousness is by faith.
I will never be perfectly righteous, I need to face and admit it.
Humility comes to Jesus ‘just as I am’, and doesn’t pretend to be holier than others.
Faith hears Him say “neither do I condemn You”, and believes this good news.
Love responds with an eagerness to serve, to obey… BECAUSE we are already accepted.
To be righteous before God is a free gift, an act of God not based on our good efforts.
This kind of righteousness surpasses that of self-effort, no matter how good it is.
God welcomes into His family any and all who ADMIT that they are not good enough.
“I tell you that this tax collector, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 18:14)
Believe it or not, God sees me as righteous… He sees you that way too.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, the Law only makes me feel more guilty. But You lift me up with hope and love, and help me to become all that I am supposed to be. Thank You for Your surpassing grace!