Last updated on January 31, 2025
According to our Lord Jesus Christ, we must exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees to enter God’s kingdom.
Matthew 5:20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
The Scribes And Pharisees
But how do we exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and the Pharisees? It would seem like an impossible feat for a regular person.
Moreover, the scribes and Pharisees were knowledgeable about God’s laws, customs, and traditions of God’s people.
Additionally, they were the ones who taught the Word of God to people. So, How can regular believers exceed their righteousness?
The simple answer to this is found in verse below.
The Hypocrisy
This was when Jesus Christ was confronting the scribes and the Pharisees for their hypocrisy:
Matthew 23:13 “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.
The Lord Jesus was emphasizing that the Scribes and Pharisees were blocking others from entering the kingdom of God by placing obstacles in their path. They actively participated in persecuting and oppressing those who were in the position to enter the kingdom of God, making the journey difficult. Furthermore, they themselves refused to enter, deterred by the very hardships they imposed on others.
Although the Pharisees and Scribes dressed nicely and had the appearance of respectable people they were wicked and ruthless in spirit.
Matthew 23:27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness.
Once again, the Lord Jesus exposed the scribes and Pharisees for their actions in the spiritual realm. These so-called respectable figures were responsible for oppressing and condemning the prophets, saints, and believers of God.
Moreover, the Pharisees fell short in truly worshiping God in spirit and truth. They failed to grasp the righteousness and love of God.
Luke 11:42 “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.
The Righteousness
Therefore, to surpass the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, we, as believers, must ensure that those called to enter the kingdom of God are not hindered. We can achieve this by ministering to them, offering guidance, protection, and providing for their needs, helping them on their journey to the kingdom.
Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
Additionally, we must not only help and minister to the saints but also believe in their messages.
Matthew 21:31-32 Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him.
That’s it for this blog, my friends, I hope that somehow I have enlightened you on how to exceed the righteousness of the scribes and the Pharisees. Until next time, May God bless you!
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