August 14, 2024

Matthew 5.20 (NIV)

“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.”

Jesus revealed the true intent of the Old Testament law, rather than its legalistic interpretations.*

Jesus’ listeners had to be asking themselves: If the Pharisees aren’t good enough, who is? In their own eyes, the Pharisees were righteous. Jesus isn’t just telling us that we have to be better than those guys, but that more is expected of us under a whole new set of rules.

Just how righteous were the Pharisees and the teachers of the law? They gave a tenth of even their spices to God, and yet, they neglected justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23.23). How can our righteousness surpass that of the Pharisees if we don’t even tithe? Even though tithing is not mentioned after the Gospels, every example of giving in the New Testament goes far beyond the tithe and none falls short of it.* Tithing is an outward sign of the kind of righteousness that Jesus requires. It shows that we have faith in God’s provision and that we care about his kingdom.

Show that your righteousness exceeds that of the Pharisees in this small way and see how it changes your heart and your witness.

Does God expect His New Covenant children to give less or more? Jesus raised the spiritual bar; He never lowered it.*