“The Source of Real Righteousness”
Matthew 5:17-30
“For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” [Matthew 5:20]
Jesus began His Sermon on the Mount with Beatitudes. He promised blessings to the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the humble, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness; the merciful, the pure in heart, peace makers, and those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake [ref. Matt 5:1-10]. Notice that these blessings come through qualities of character.
Character is at the core of real righteousness; it is its source; it is salt and light to the world [ref. 5:13-16]. Godly character makes all the difference! It cultivates a teachable heart that becomes fertile ground bearing fruit “some a hundred-fold, some sixty, some thirty.” [Matt 13:23]
True character does not parade itself [on the outside]; rather, it quietly seeds itself [on the inside] through the work of the Spirit. “For I say to you, unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” This distinguishes between the two.
It also poses a problem because who’s righteousness surpasses the Pharisees? These men did every right work [on the outside]. They were the religious show of righteousness. And yet, Jesus taught that unless your righteousness exceeds theirs you cannot enter heaven.
Jesus then quoted several acts of the Law, and then described the intent of the Law. “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder…” “But I say unto you whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment.” Ever been angry with anyone? Then you broke the Law; and are going to be judged.
All of us have missed the intent of the Law which is perfection. We have missed the mark of holiness that is required to dwell with God, Who is holy. “Because it is written, ‘Be ye holy for I am holy’ says the Lord.” [1 Pet 1:16]
Real righteousness before God is a righteousness of the heart; not only a show of righteousness on the outside. And that means we have missed the mark of perfect holiness, which is the literal meaning of sin. “Be ye perfect, therefore, as your Father in heaven is perfect.” [Matt 5:48]
The source of real righteousness is Jesus; it comes by asking Him to forgive you of your sins and to be your personal Lord. The intent of the Law is to drive us to Him. “Therefore, the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” [Gal 3:25]
