Matthew 5:18-20 is about Jesus emphasizing the importance of upholding the law and righteousness by fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies and teachings, and proclaims that those who do not exceed the righteousness of the Pharisees and teachers of the law will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.
19 Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Setting the Scene for Matthew 5:18-20
In Matthew chapter 5, Jesus is delivering the Sermon on the Mount, a pivotal moment in his ministry where he imparts profound teachings to his disciples and a large crowd gathered on a mountainside. The scene is set against the backdrop of a serene and picturesque landscape, with the Sea of Galilee visible in the distance and the gentle rustling of olive trees in the breeze.
Among the listeners are Jesus’ closest disciples, including Peter, James, John, and Andrew, who have been following him closely and witnessing his miracles. The crowd is a mix of curious onlookers, devout followers, and skeptics, all drawn to the powerful presence and teachings of Jesus. As Jesus speaks, his words are filled with authority and wisdom, captivating the audience and challenging their understanding of the law and righteousness.
In this particular passage, Jesus emphasizes the importance of upholding the law and the prophets, declaring that not even the smallest letter or stroke of the law will pass away until all is accomplished. He urges his listeners to exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, emphasizing the need for genuine faith and a heart transformed by love and obedience to God. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation and reverence as Jesus sets forth a new paradigm of righteousness and calls his followers to a higher standard of living.
What is Matthew 5:18-20 about?
Jesus is emphasizing the enduring importance of the Old Testament teachings and the need for a deeper level of righteousness beyond what the Pharisees, who were considered to be very devout and meticulous in following the law, practiced in this verse. Jesus is highlighting the unchanging nature of God’s moral standards as outlined in the Old Testament by stating that not even the smallest stroke of the law will pass away until all is accomplished.
Jesus is challenging his followers to go beyond mere external observance of the law, as the Pharisees did, and instead focus on cultivating a righteousness that comes from a genuine heart transformation. He is calling for a righteousness that goes beyond following rules outwardly and delves into the intentions and attitudes of the heart. Jesus is setting a higher standard for his followers to strive for by surpassing the righteousness of the Pharisees, one that is rooted in love, compassion, and integrity.
Reflecting on this verse, we are reminded of the importance of not just going through the motions of religion but truly seeking to align our hearts and actions with God’s will. It challenges us to examine our motives and the depth of our commitment to living out God’s principles. How can we deepen our understanding of God’s law and allow it to shape our character and conduct? How can we move beyond surface-level obedience to a place of genuine righteousness that reflects the love and grace of God? These are questions we can ponder as we seek to follow Jesus’ call to a higher standard of righteousness.
Understanding what Matthew 5:18-20 really means
The Sermon on the Mount, a pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry, serves as a profound teaching on the Kingdom of God and the ethics of Christian living. In Matthew 5:18-20, Jesus emphasizes the enduring significance of God’s Law and the necessity of righteousness in the lives of His followers. The first verse declares, “For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.” Here, Jesus highlights the eternal nature of God’s Word, emphasizing that every detail holds significance until its purpose is fulfilled. This assurance of the unchanging nature of God’s truth stands as a beacon of stability in a world where values often shift like sand.
Drawing from related passages such as Psalm 119:89 and Isaiah 40:8, we see a consistent theme of God’s Word being firmly established and enduring through all time. Consider sharing a personal anecdote or a story of someone finding solace and direction in the unchanging truths of Scripture during tumultuous times. Moving on to the next verse, Jesus warns against diminishing any of God’s commandments, stressing that true greatness in the Kingdom comes from obedience and teaching others to do the same. James 2:10 and Matthew 23:23 further illuminate the importance of upholding all of God’s teachings, not just the convenient or prominent ones. This challenges us to live with integrity and to embrace the entirety of God’s Word, even the seemingly insignificant parts.
The final verse in this passage, “For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven,” calls for a deeper, more authentic righteousness than mere external observance. By contrasting the hypocritical righteousness of the religious leaders of His time with the genuine righteousness stemming from a relationship with God, Jesus urges us to examine our hearts. Reflect on stories of individuals who embodied true righteousness through acts of kindness and integrity that surpassed mere rule-following. In conclusion, these verses underscore the enduring nature of God’s Law, the importance of upholding all commandments, and the call for genuine righteousness in the lives of believers.
As you ponder these teachings, consider how they resonate in your own life. Are there areas where you can deepen your commitment to God’s Word and live out true righteousness in your daily interactions? Let these verses challenge and inspire you to align more closely with the teachings of Jesus. May you find strength and wisdom in your journey of faith, and may your life reflect the transformative power of God’s unchanging truth and righteousness.
How can we ensure our righteousness exceeds the Pharisees’?
To ensure that our righteousness exceeds that of the Pharisees, we must go beyond mere outward actions and appearances. The Pharisees were known for their focus on external acts of religious devotion while neglecting matters of the heart and true humility before God. Our righteousness must be grounded in a genuine love for God and for others, not just in following the letter of the law. It involves not only refraining from sin but also actively seeking to live out the principles of justice, mercy, and faithfulness that God desires.
Furthermore, we can exceed the righteousness of the Pharisees by recognizing the transformative power of the gospel in our lives. It is through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, rather than through external observances alone, that we can experience true righteousness and be transformed from the inside out. We can demonstrate a righteousness that surpasses that of the Pharisees by allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us and conform us to the image of Christ, rooted in a heart that is fully surrendered to God and His will. We can ultimately exceed the righteousness of the Pharisees by living a life that reflects the love, grace, and truth of Christ to those around us. This involves not only avoiding hypocrisy and self-righteousness but also actively seeking to serve and show compassion to others. We can demonstrate an authentic, transformative, and pleasing righteousness to God by cultivating a pure heart and living consistently with the teachings of Jesus.
Application
Embrace the teachings of Christ from Matthew 5:18-20 with conviction and purpose. Align your actions with His divine guidance, embodying His love and grace in all aspects of your life. Let your faith shine through in your every endeavor, reflecting the light of Christ to those around you. Will you rise to the challenge and walk in the footsteps of our Savior, bringing His teachings to life in a world in need of His love?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.