Stress Test Devotional April 27
April 27, 2024
MATTHEW 5:20| For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
I can’t give you a definitive read on this verse! But I can offer some suggestions. What is the “righteousness” that exceeds the Pharisees? It could be obedience to Jesus’ commands, since the Pharisees obey only the Torah and their supplemental rules. It could refer to the emphasis in our behavior. Jesus said, “I deserve mercy not sacrifice,” quoting the prophets and it could mean fulfilling the command to neighbor love before attending to the fussy particulars of personal holiness.
It might refer to the attitude with which we obey. Jesus asked us to be humble servants, not proud law abiders. Perhaps the call to be like a little child, open and teachable and dependent, is referred to him. Maybe he is talking about the fruits our lives should generate.
What do you think?
