Two Ways of Living

Jesus:  ¹³ “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway (road) to hell (destruction) is broad (easy), and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. ¹⁴ But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult (hard), and only a few ever find it.

¹⁵ Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but (inwardly) are really vicious wolves. ¹⁶ You can identify (recognize) them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? ¹⁷ A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad (rotten) tree produces bad  fruit. ¹⁸ A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot produce good fruit. ¹⁹ So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. ²⁰ Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.

²¹ Not everyone who calls out to Me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of My Father in heaven will enter. ²² On judgment day many will say to Me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in Your name and cast out demons in Your name and performed many miracles in Your name.’ ²³ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from Me, you who break God’s laws (commands).’

²⁴ Anyone who listens to My teaching and follows (obeys) it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. ²⁵ Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it will not collapse because it is built on bedrock. ²⁶ But anyone who hears My teaching and ignores it is foolish (unwise), like a person who builds a house on sand. ²⁷ When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”

²⁸ When Jesus had finished saying these things (Sermon on the Mount), the crowds were amazed (astonished) at His teaching, ²⁹ for He taught with real authority—quite unlike their teachers of religious law. Matthew 7:13-29 (NLT)

Jesus concludes His great Sermon on the Mount with an encouragement to put into practice and obey His teaching (see also John 8:31-32). Everyone who faithfully obeys and follows Jesus and Jesus’ teaching is wise (Matthew 7:24; see also 1 Corinthians 1:30-31). With His encouragement, Jesus gives people two pathways of living. One path leading to life (heaven) and one path leading to death (hell) (see also Deuteronomy 30:11-20; Luke 13:22-30; John 14:6).

First, Jesus says there are two gates: one wide and one narrow (Matthew 7:13-14). The narrow gate is difficult because the narrow way requires faithful obedience to Jesus and His teaching. Jesus’ teaching requires obedience to the Law and the Prophets that Jesus summarizes as “do to others whatever you would like them to do to you” (Matthew 5:17-20; Matthew 7:12; see also Matthew 22:34-40). The narrow gate leads to life (Matthew 7:14)! The wide gate is lawlessness and easy but leads to death and destruction (Matthew 7:13). This destructive path has a form of godliness but not genuine repentance and obedience to Jesus (see Matthew 4:17; James 2:14).

Second, Jesus warns God’s people to beware of false prophets and teachers and their ungodly lifestyles (Matthew 7:15-20; see also Matthew 24:11). Outwardly, these false workers come in sheep’s clothing, so they appear as God’s sheep (see also 2 Thessalonians. 2:7-12). Inwardly, these false prophets and teachers are in alliance with evil and their lawless teaching leads to destruction, depression, and eternal death (see e.g., Jeremiah 23:16). How can one recognize these false workers? Jesus says, “You can detect them by the way they act, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit” (Matthew 7:16, TLB). In other words, God’s people can identify and recognize false prophets and teachers by their immoral actions, ungodly lifestyles, and bad character (Matthew 7:16; see also Luke 6:43-45; Matthew 12:33-37; 2 Peter 2:1; 1 John 4:1). Jesus teaches that healthy trees produce good fruit (righteousness, godly lifestyles, and virtuous charter), while diseased trees produce bad (evil) fruit (Matthew 7:17-18, 20; see also Matthew 3:8; Ephesians 5:9; Philippians 1:11). Jesus expects ALL Christians to produce good fruits of righteousness by their faithful union with Him and through the work of the Holy Spirit (see e.g., Matthew 5:1-48; John 15:3-17; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 2:10). False prophets and teachers are rotten and diseased trees, so the fruit they produce will be bad and rotten fruit (see e.g., Romans 1:29-31; Revelation 22:15).

Moreover, Jesus teaches that at the end of age (judgment day) these false prophets and teachers will say, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?” (Matthew 7:22, NIV). Jesus teaches that not everyone who calls Him “Lord, Lord” will enter into heaven (life) but only those who faithfully loved and obeyed God and His Word will enter into eternal life (Matthew 7:21; see also Romans 2:13; James 2:14-26; Revelation 14:12-13). Mighty works are not proof of God’s alliance since they can come from evil and demonic sources (see e.g., Matthew 24:24; Acts 19:11-20; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12). Jesus said He would tell these evil workers at judgment day, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” (Matthew 7:23, NKJV). “Not all who sound religious are really godly people” (Matthew 7:21, TLB). However, every tree that does not produce good and righteous fruit for God’s glory will be chopped down and thrown into eternal fire (Matthew 7:19; see also John 15:2, 5-6).

Third, Jesus contrasts two sets of builders - the wise and foolish builders (Matthew 7:24-27). The wise builder built his house upon the rock (cornerstone) – listening and faithfully obeying Jesus’ teaching (Matthew 7:24; see also James 1:22-25; James 2:20-22). The foolish builder built his house upon the sand – disobedience to Jesus and His teaching (Matthew 7:26-27). The storms of life (e.g., rain, floods, and winds) assaulted both houses. The house built upon the rock – obedience to Jesus and His teaching – withstood the storm (Matthew 7:25). However, the house built on the sand – disobedience and unfaithfulness to Jesus and His teaching – collapsed during the storm (Matthew 7:27).

The pathway that leads to life is a life of faithfulness and obedience to the teaching of Jesus and the commands of God (see Revelation 14:12; Revelation 22:14). According to respected theologian Dr. Mark Ross, “faith alone saves, but the faith which saves is never alone, but is ever accompanied by good works.” If we wish to enter into heaven (life), we must follow the narrow path of faithfulness and obedience to God and God’s Word that produces good fruit (Matthew 7:21; see also e.g., Mark 3:34-34; John 15:14; Galatians 5:22-23).

References

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Ross, Mark E. Let’s Study Matthew (Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust, 2009).

Judging Others

Jesus:  ¹ “Do not judge (criticize, condemn) others, and you will not be judged (criticized, condemned). ² For you will be treated (judged) as you treat (judge) others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.

³ And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? ⁴ How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you cannot see past the log in your own eye? ⁵ Hypocrite! First get rid of the log (sin) in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.

⁶ Do not waste what is holy (sacred matters) on people who are unholy. Do not throw your pearls to pigs (swine)! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.

⁷ Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.⁸ For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

⁹ You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? ¹⁰ Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! ¹¹ So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him.

¹² Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence (sums up) of all that is taught in the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:1-12 (NLT)

Possibly, Matthew 7:1 is the most quoted verse of the Bible:  “Judge not, that you be not judged” (Matthew 7:1, RSV). Many other Scripture passages also speak against hypocritically judging and condemning others (see e.g., Luke 6:37-38, 41-42; Romans 2:1; Romans 14:4, 10-13; 1 Corinthians 4:5; James 4:11-12). Yet, many people quote such sacred Scripture passages as Matthew 7:1 to support their sinful lifestyles and personal freedoms.

However, Matthew 7 does not forbid judging others. The Holy Scriptures also taught that when one sins against God and God’s Word, faithful believers in Christ should seek to gently and firmly restore the erring brother or sister to God’s righteous path (Matthew 18:15-20; see also Galatians 6:1-5). What Jesus rebukes is hypocritical and inappropriate judging of others that views oneself as better than others do (Matthew 7:1-5; see also Galatians 6:1-5). Jesus’ teaching condemns judging hypocritically or self-righteously. In other words, Jesus denounces judgmental actions when we judge and criticize others weaknesses and sins while ignoring the greater sin and wickedness in ourselves (Matthew 7:3-5; see also Romans 2:3).

Jesus wants everyone to FIRST self-examine their personal lives and lifestyles for sinfulness before judging others (see Matthew 7:2-5). Matthew 7:1-5 teaches that we must not judge or condemn others of their sinful actions while ignoring our personal sinful and wickedness (Matthew 7:3-5; see also John 7:24; Galatians 6:1; Hebrews 3:12). Such actions are hypocritical and self-righteous. The first principle of judgment is that we begin with self-judgment of any and all lifestyles choices that dishonor God, such as pride, corruption, jealousy, gossip, dishonesty, murder, strife, trickery, and hatred (see e.g., Romans 1:18-32). Prayerful self-examination is essential in the Christian life.

God wants everyone to abstain from sin and sinful desires (see e.g., Ephesians 5:3-7). If we have sinned in our lives, and we try to judge others, we are hypocrites! The Pharisees were guilty of hypocritical behavior as they judged and criticized others’ sins to make ourselves look good. The Pharisees did not acknowledge their sins. Jesus denounced such self-righteous action (see e.g., Luke 18:9-14). Believers in Christ should judge themselves first so that they can help others. If believers do not honestly confess and acknowledge their personal sins, then God will also judge them. God is the final Judge of all (James 4:11-12) for only God can see our hearts (see e.g., 1 Samuel 16:7; 1 Chronicles 28:9)!

Jesus wants people to lovely, patiently, and humbly care for others, including keeping others from the destruction of sin and wickedness (see also James 5:20). God has graciously given believers in Jesus “holy things” of the Lord, and we must handle God’s Word with care (2 Corinthians 4:7). Love for others means humbly correcting others and not ignoring the sins of others. Thus, Matthew 7:1 and Matthew 18:15-20 taught together means that faithful believers in Christ could make moral judgments about the lives of others. Jesus knows that God wants clean hands and pure heart from everyone (see Psalm 24:4). One day, the true and living God will judge the world, and we will reap what we have sown (Galatians 6:7-8). Everyone will stand before the judgment seat of God and must give an accounting of their lives to God and His Son, Jesus (Romans 14:4, 10-13; 2 Corinthians 5:10). Thus, Jesus wants believers are to be merciful, forgiving, and slow to judge (Matthew 7:1-5). Yet, believers are also to be wise and discern those who continually reject the gracious and loving nature of God and God’s Word, so they can move on to others in need of God’s correcting grace and forgiveness (Matthew 7:6; see also Proverbs 9:7-10; Proverbs 23:9; Matthew 10:14).

Finally, Jesus knows that God’s people cannot “do to others whatever you would like them to do to you” without persistently seeking our Heavenly Father’s gracious help and guidance (Matthew 7:7-8). Only God can judge perfectly. Therefore, we must pray and seek His wisdom and direction (James 1:5). Our good God gives good gifts to all who persistently ask and seek Him (Matthew 7:9-11).

In summary, Jesus closes this section with the Golden Rule. The Golden Rule summarizes the Law and Prophets, taken together the Old Testament. According to Jesus, the entire Old Testament can be summarized in a nutshell:  “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, also do to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12, ESV). This summary statement is another way of saying, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (see also Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 5:43-46; Matthew 22:39; Romans 12:17-19). The person who practices the Golden Rule refuses to harm others but to help and encourage others in the holy Word of God. If we want God’s best for ourselves, we must “do to others whatever you would like them to do to you” (Matthew 7:12, NLT).

References

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Ross, Mark E. Let’s Study Matthew (Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust, 2009).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary – New Testament (Victor Books, 1989).

Seeking God

Jesus:  ¹⁹ “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, ²⁰ but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

²² “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, ²³ but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!”

²⁴ “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money (riches, possession, or whatever is trusted in).”

²⁵ “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious (worried) about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? ²⁷ And which of you by being anxious (worried) can add a single hour to his span of life? ²⁸ And why are you anxious (worrying) about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, ²⁹ yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. ³⁰ But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? ³¹ Therefore do not be anxious (worry), saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For the Gentiles (unbelievers, heathens) seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. ³³ But SEEK FIRST (aim and strive after) the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (live righteously), and all these things will be added to you (God will give you everything you need). ³⁴ Therefore do not be anxious (worry) about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself (take one day at a time). Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:19-34 (ESV)

Jesus’ focus with this teaching from the Sermon on the Mount is wholehearted devotion to God and practicing righteousness (good deeds) in the world. In other words, Jesus wants God to be our Master and not money (Matthew 6:24). Jesus wanted everyone to live solely for the honor and glory of God while trusting Him for all our daily needs (Matthew 6:8). Only God provides our secure and everlasting treasure. The Holy Scriptures repeatedly teaches that God will provide all that we need (Matthew 6:8, 32-33; see also Psalm 23:1; Psalm 34:9-10; Philippians 4:19). God is loving, faithful, and good (see e.g., Exodus 34:6-7; Psalm 145:9; Nahum 1:7), and He graciously gives us all things we NEED if we will ask in faith (Matthew 7:11; see also Romans 8:32).

Thus, Jesus teaches that believers must not fret and worry about “What shall we eat, what shall we drink, or what shall we wear?” because our good Heavenly Father knows all our daily needs (Matthew 6:31-32; see also Philippians 4:5-7). In other words, Jesus wants wholehearted faith in God and not worrying and fretting (Matthew 6:25-34; see also 1 Peter 5:7). Our worrying and fear demonstrate our lack of faith and trust in God. Jesus calls everyone to live not focused on material treasures and comforts of life but to live focused on wholeheartedly loving and obeying God and living righteous (good) lives (Matthew 6:33; see also Matthew 5:6, 10, 20; Matthew 6:1). Seeking God and living righteously (good) must be at the center of our lives. We can safely trust in God.

Nevertheless, these verses do not mean God wants everyone to live passive, inactive, and irresponsible lives while doing nothing to care for ourselves and others (2 Thessalonians 3:6-12). God wants His people to be diligent and hard workers as they provide for themselves, their families, and others in need (see e.g., Proverbs 10:4; Ephesians 4:28; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12).

References

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Ross, Mark E. Let’s Study Matthew (Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust, 2009).

Jesus and the Old Testament

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Jesus' Teaching

Jesus:  ²¹ “You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ ²² But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell. ²³ So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, ²⁴ leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God. ²⁵ When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison. ²⁶ And if that happens, you surely will not be free again until you have paid the last penny. ²⁷ You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ ²⁸ But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. ²⁹ So if your eye—even your good eye—causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. ³⁰ And if your hand—even your stronger hand—causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. ³¹ You have heard the law that says, ‘A man can divorce his wife by merely giving her a written notice of divorce.’ ³² But I say that a man who divorces his wife, unless she has been unfaithful, causes her to commit adultery. And anyone who marries a divorced woman also commits adultery. ³³ You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the LORD.’ ³⁴ But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne. ³⁵ And do not say, ‘By the earth!’ because the earth is His footstool. And do not say, ‘By Jerusalem!’ for Jerusalem is the city of the great King. ³⁶ Do not even say, ‘By my head!’ for you cannot turn one hair white or black. ³⁷ Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I will not.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one. ³⁸ You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ ³⁹ But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. ⁴⁰ If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. ⁴¹ If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. ⁴² Give to those who ask, and do not turn away from those who want to borrow. ⁴³ You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. ⁴⁴ But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! ⁴⁵ In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For He gives His sunlight to both the evil and the good, and He sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. ⁴⁶ If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. ⁴⁷ If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. ⁴⁸ But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:21-48 (NLT)

Starting with Matthew 5:21, Jesus begins His explanation of the Law and the Prophets. The reminder of Matthew 5 (verses 21 through 48) contains a series of Jesus’ teaching, each introduced by the words, “You have heard that it was said . . . . But I say” (see Matthew 5:21, 27, 31, 33, 38, 43). Jesus corrects not the Old Testament, but the misunderstanding of the Old Testament taught by the scribes and Pharisees. As Jesus stated in Matthew 5:17, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17, NIV). Beginning with Matthew 5:21, Jesus contrasts His correct teaching to the erroneous teaching of the scribes and Pharisees about the Old Testament. Sadly, the scribes and Pharisees ignored God’s written commands to obey their rules and traditions (Matthew 15:1-9; see also Mark 7:8-13).

First, Jesus explains the righteous meaning of the Sixth and Seventh Commandments, prohibiting murder and adultery. According to Jesus, it is not enough if we externally avoid murdering and committing adultery (Matthew 5:21, 27, quoting Exodus 20:13-14; Deuteronomy 5:17-18). We must also avoid even the inward thoughts about murder and adultery (Matthew 5:22-26, 28-30). According to the living Word of God, Jesus teaches that inward lustful thoughts and simmering anger are not marks of true heart purity. Jesus teaches that God desires our peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation with others as well as sexually pure hearts and minds (see Matthew 5:8-9).

As to self-mutilation, Jesus is using hyperbole (or exaggeration) to indicate that whatever it takes to keep oneself in the way of righteousness and truth is worth our great sacrifice. This calls for self-discipline. Sin interrupts our fellowship with God. Jesus does not want anyone to walk continually in sin, evil, and wickedness (see 1 John 3:4-10; 1 John 5:18; 3 John 11). Instead, Jesus wants everyone to tame his or her inward heart desires, lusts, and corruptions and calls everyone too inward heart purity. Jesus knew that inward holiness was not easy; therefore, He promised to send His followers the Helper (Holy Spirit) to help us live pure daily (see John chapters 14 through 16). 

As to swearing of vows and oaths, Jesus teaches that God demands our whole truth and honesty in all daily dealings with ourselves and with others (see e.g., Exodus 20:16; Deuteronomy 5:20; Leviticus 19:11-12; Colossians 3:9). In all our dealings, our words must be our bond. Swearing oaths and making vows for the purpose of deception is altogether evil (see Matthew 23:16-22). Your “yes” must mean “yes” and your “no” must mean “no” (Matthew 5:37; see also James 5:12).

Furthermore, the scribes and Pharisees had twisted and abused the Old Testament principle of lex talionis, the “law of retaliation.” The Old Testament contained the principle of justice, “Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth” to prescribe and apportion punishment to fit the crime: no more and no less (see Exodus 21:23-25; Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21). However, in the hands of the scribes and Pharisees, this Old Testament principle became a justification for a vindictive and retaliatory spirit. In the view of the scribes and Pharisees, God permitted retaliation whenever one suffered a wrong – paying back offenders for the wrongs they deserved. However, Jesus corrected the scribes and Pharisees’ vindictive teaching and returned to God’s original purpose of forgiveness, mercy, and generosity towards others (Matthew 5:39-42; Matthew 7:12; see also Romans 12:14-21; 1 Thessalonians 5:15; 1 Peter 2:23; 1 Peter 3:9). Jesus did not retaliate when He was insulted, nor threaten revenge when He suffered (see Isaiah 53:7). Instead, Jesus left His case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly (Luke 23:34).

Final example of the scribes and Pharisees’ twisting of the Law and Prophets concerned the second great commandment, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 5:43-48; see also Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 19:19; Matthew 22:39). Sadly, the scribes and Pharisees had corrupted the Old Testament laws to allow people to hate their enemies. However, Jesus taught that we must “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44; see also Luke 6:27-28). Peacemakers are children of God (see Matthew 5:9, 45). Jesus explained that God wants all people to love one another – friend and enemies (Matthew 5:44; see also Matthew 22:39; John 13:34-35; John 15:12).

As the living Word of God (John 1:1-5, 14), Jesus clarifies the true meaning of the Law and the Prophet and exposes the false righteousness and teaching of the scribes and the Pharisees. According to the scribes and Pharisees, an external righteousness will suffice because their righteousness was hypocritical, impure, and false to hide their internal greed, extortion, and self-indulgence (see Matthew 23:1-3, 13, 23-28). Sadly, the scribes and Pharisees focused on outward rituals, traditions, and ceremonies while neglecting the weightier matters of the Law and Prophets – justice, mercy, compassion, forgiveness, and faith (Matthew 23:23-24; see also Micah 6:6-8). However, Jesus taught that God desires a righteousness that starts from the inside one’s heart, moves outward, and bears good fruit (Matthew 12:33-35; Matthew 15:17-20; see also Mark 7:14-15, 18-23; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 2:10). 

In summary, followers of Jesus are law-keepers in that they keep the Law and the Prophet not so that they may be justified before God but in order live in ways that please God and shows their wholehearted love and gratitude for Him – heart, soul, mind, and strength (Matthew 22:37; see also Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Psalm 119:1). Jesus wants everyone to be perfect (holy) and imitate the ways of our heavenly Father (Matthew 5:48; see also Leviticus 19:2; Ephesians 5:1-2; 1 Peter 1:15-16). Jesus wants every to be like God the Father and conformed to His image (kindness, compassion, forgiveness, patience, and faithfulness) (see Ephesians 5:1-2; see also Exodus 34:6-7). The character of God is the true standard of righteousness in His Kingdom (Matthew 5:3-10).

⁶ The LORD passed in front of Moses and said, “I am the LORD. The LORD is a God who shows mercy, who is kind, who does not become angry quickly, who has great love and faithfulness ⁷ and is kind to thousands of people. The LORD forgives people for evil, for sin, and for turning against Him, but He does not forget to punish guilty people. He will punish not only the guilty people, but also their children, their grandchildren, their great-grandchildren, and their great-great-grandchildren.” Exodus 34:6-7 (NCV)

References

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Ross, Mark E. Let’s Study Matthew (Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust, 2009).