Matthew 5:19-20 19Therefore whoever compromises one of the least of these commandments and teaches others thus will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, this one will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20For I tell you, unless your righteousness is greater than the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
The kingdom of God has laws like every other kingdom. Verse 19 stresses the obedience required for kingdom citizens. The laws of God teach what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. Jesus calls his disciples to go beyond even the letter of the law and examine their motives. Jesus called them to teach others what he taught them (28:20). The word for commandments (entolōn) in verse 19 is the noun form of the same word used as a verb 28:20. Obedience is not optional for Jesus’ followers. We show who our Master is by how we live. Salvation is a gift of grace but is worked out in the obedience of faith (Ephesians 2:8-10).
The scribes and Pharisees were known for their outward righteousness and desire to follow the law. From the outside, there were no holier people in that day than these groups. Their problem, however, was misplaced emphasis. Their inward thoughts and attitudes did not match their outward actions. Their outside actions were righteous by the law and not the problem. In Matthew 23:27, Jesus criticized these leaders: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, for you are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of bones of dead people and all uncleanness.”
Jesus put the law in a new perspective. The type of righteousness to which he refers starts with inner transformation that has the attributes of the beatitudes. It will be evident in even loving one’s enemy. Jesus brought the new covenant in fulfillment of Scripture. His sacrifice on the cross provides salvation in fulfillment of the law. His gift of the Holy Spirit writes this law on our hearts, enabling us to live in righteousness.
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