For the next several weeks we are looking at the Righteousness (ethics) of the Kingdom as communicated to us in the Sermon on the Mount. Specifically, in Matthew 5:20, Jesus tells us that our entrance into the kingdom of heaven is such that our righteousness (our uprightness and our right standing with God) must be greater than that of the scribes and Pharisees.
The scribes and Pharisees were the keepers and doers of the law such that in order to make sure they did all that the law commanded they added layer upon layer of additional laws. Jesus struck at the very core of their emphasis on legislating the outward act to setting it all aside and presenting a higher standard. This higher standard focused on the inner attitude and character.
Not committing murder was no longer the standard but not being angry with another. No longer was committing adultery the standard but Jesus says if in your heart is lust, you stand guilty before God. No longer is your truthfulness to be buttressed by an oath but Jesus says the man who knows the righteousness of the kingdom needs no oath. His naked word is valid. Your neighbor can trust your word, both in the spirit and the letter of your promise.
As we saw in our last lesson, our relationship with God is no longer mediated by the Law but by one who has submitted to the reign (rule) of God that has been manifested in Jesus. When a person is restored to fellowship with God, that person becomes a child of God and a recipient of a new power.
The righteousness that God demands, He gives us through His Son.
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