In Chapter 5 of Matthew, Jesus wrote:
"For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 5: 20
The Bible is specific and intentional about "italicizing" the words the righteousness when referencing the scribes and Pharisees. After reading this verse in the context of the entire chapter, what do you feel Jesus was trying to communicate? Do you believe He felt there was a difference between the righteousness of the "scribes and Pharisees" and those whom He called to follow Him? If so, what do you feel is the difference?
Take time to pray about this verse, and feel free to respond. We enjoy your thoughts!
Blessings,
Bran
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I think He did feel like there was a difference between the righteousness of the "scribes and Pharisees" and those He called. The Pharisees were so into pointing out other people's mistakes and thinking that they were in a sense "righteous" because they obeyed and enforced the law strictly. The righteousness of those who followed Jesus came when they repented of their sins and listened to and obeyed the words of Jesus. Thanks Brandon! That's a good thing to think about.
ReplyDeleteHmmm...I looked up "righteous" on dictionary.com and as an adjective it is defined as "Morally upright; without guilt or sin".
ReplyDeleteThis is what the Pharisees and other religious leaders thought they were; they believed that their works made them righteous, when all they had to do was submit themselves to God and have complete faith in Him, like His followers did. That's the difference between the two definitions of "righteousness".
Jesus points out how shallow their righteousness is in other chapters of Matthew, like when the Pharisees came to him and asked him why his disciples didn't wash their hands before they ate, because since they didn't they were breaking the traditions of the elders.(Matt.15:2) This shows how much righteousness and godliness was just a bunch of rules and traditions to them.
Aubrey and Natalie...
ReplyDeleteSo very well thought-out, both of you! It brings joy to my heart to hear such wonderful thinking coming from our youth. Your insights are truly inspired, and were very much the types of ideas I was hoping to evoke!
Beautifully written!
Blessings,
Brandon