“For I tell you, unless your righteousness (your uprightness and your right standing with God) is more than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:20 (AMP)
The Kingdom of God is meant for those who actively obey the Laws, Principles and Precepts that guide those who have been adopted as sons of God. As Christ continued to teach various principles of the Kingdom on the Mount, He addressed the matter of hypocrisy and compromise which plagued the religious leaders of His days.
Many had a misconception about what Christ had come to do on earth. They thought He came to abolish the Old Testament Laws and Prophets, but on the contrary, Jesus came to complete and fulfill them. Without the coming of Christ, the Laws and the Prophets would have been left hanging between the space of prophecy and fulfillment, never seeing the light of reality. In today’s passage, Jesus emphasized the ever-abiding and living power of the Word of God and the necessity of the Word to be fulfilled no matter the situation or circumstances present.
Take note of verse 19 – “Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” There are many who call themselves great men in the Kingdom but in reality, they are nothing short of ordinary men with no importance because they do not obey the Word of God. Obedience is what makes us important in the Kingdom of God.
The Pharisees had a righteousness that is premised on convenience and not conviction or necessity. They obeyed the laws that were convenient for them, not because they are truly loyal to God’s laws. And as it was then, so do we have it now. If the only times you obey God are when His instructions are convenient and not really demanding, then you are being a Pharisee.
God is not calling you to depend on your own righteousness like the Pharisees do but He is calling you to rest in His righteousness, however, you must be active before Him. Don’t be deceived by anyone who says what you do doesn’t matter inasmuch as you have the imputed righteousness. What you do matters. As much as you teach others the law of God, much more, live in total obedience to these laws yourself so that your life won’t be a story of wasted efforts.
Hold with much importance every Word of God. None of those words will pass away without being fulfilled. Take heed to the instructions, warnings, promises and chastisements therein. Blessings.
Practical Application: Pharisees are still in the Church today, don’t you think? But, the bigger question is, are you a disciple of Christ or a Pharisee? Take some time to check your actions.
Confession: I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. I walk in righteousness daily. I live by the dictates of the Word of God. My life is hidden in Christ and I have grace to live the life of Christ here on earth.
Related Scriptures: Matthew 5:17-20, Matthew 6:33
Bible Reading: Matthew 6 – 7
