Day 90 · Week 13
Passage: Matthew 5:20; Matthew 23:25–28
Memory Verse: Matthew 5:17
Matthew 5:20 (KJV)
“For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.”
Jesus' words must have surprised His listeners.
The scribes and Pharisees were known for careful religious observance. How could someone's righteousness exceed theirs?
Jesus was not calling His disciples to keep an even longer list of human rules.
Later He explained the problem. A person can look clean outwardly while the heart remains full of selfishness and sin. Religious appearance is not the same as a transformed character.
This is one of the central themes of the Sermon on the Mount.
God is interested in what happens inside us. He cares not only that we avoid murder but that hatred is removed. Not only that we avoid adultery but that the heart becomes pure. Not only that we give or pray but that we do so for God rather than applause.
This kind of righteousness cannot be produced merely by polishing our behavior.
We need Christ.
He forgives our sin, gives us His righteousness, and works within us through the Holy Spirit. Grace does not merely cover a sinful life while leaving us content to remain unchanged. Grace begins transforming us from the inside out.
Why can someone appear very religious outwardly while still having serious problems in the heart?
Am I more concerned about appearing Christian to other people or actually allowing Jesus to change me?
Ask Jesus to forgive your sins, give you His righteousness, and continue changing your family's hearts as well as your outward behavior.