 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Article Archive |
2008
A Greater Righteousness
by Jim Morris
The Pharisees & experts of the Law tried to brand Jesus as one who lived with “no rules.” It is true that Jesus did break some of their manmade rules on occasion but He never violated any of God’s laws. The religious leaders could have asked, “Who does this guy think he is, living as if there were no rules!”
The disciples could also have misinterpreted Jesus’ intentions as He disregarded some of the traditions of the day. Perhaps the crowds hoped that Jesus would free them from the Law that they could never fully keep.
The day came when Jesus preached to the crowds from the mountain about the blessedness of the citizens of the kingdom. He called them salt and light. Perhaps life in the Kingdom of Heaven will be much easier than it has been under the Law.
Following the Beatitudes Jesus described His purpose for coming, and said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished” (Matthew 5:17-18).
Can you hear a collective sigh from the crowd? To some, a sigh could mean amazement and anticipation of great things to come. To others, a sigh could signify lost hope. “Perhaps we are not going to be freed from the burden of the Law after all.” To the Pharisees, a sigh could portray anger. By holding up the sanctity of the Law, Jesus had just denied them of the evidence they needed to convict Him of promoting lawlessness. In any case, the Law was here to stay until “everything is accomplished.”
Jesus, also described His people’s purpose, saying, “Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:19). Oh no. His people must “keep” and “teach” the commandments. But wait! Keeping and teaching God’s commandments could improve one’s lot in the kingdom of heaven!
Jesus commanded a greater righteousness. “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20). Focusing on the Law apart from communion with the Law Giver is useless. Yet, to commune with the Giver requires keeping & teaching His Law.
Where is this greater righteousness? It is Jesus. He fulfilled every demand of the Law “for us” by His perfect obedience and sacrifice. He is the One who defines by His very life, death, burial and resurrection what it means to truly live by God’s Law. Therefore, “Live in Him. He is the rule.”
03-05-08
# 10
