Village Schools of the Bible

WHAT IS A SURPASSING RIGHTEOUSNESS?
Matthew 5:20

We have been looking at Jesus’ statement in verse 20, and in our previous study, we discovered some truths about the righteousness which was exhibited by the Pharisees in Jesus’ day. Jesus then tells His disciples that they need a righteousness which will surpass that of the Pharisees. What did He mean?

The Greek word translated surpass referred to a river that overflowed its banks because of an excess amount of water. We have seen the pictures of the Red River and the great flooding in recent days in northwestern Minnesota, so I think we have a pretty good idea of what the word surpass means.

So, what is a righteousness that surpasses or exceeds that of the Pharisees? As theirs was one focused upon the externals, Jesus’ desire is that we might have a righteousness that is centered upon the internals. Its focus is not on what we do, but why do we what we do. Its realization is found in praying those words of David: Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting (Psalm 139:23-24). Such a prayer will get at the heart of what motivates us.

How can I achieve this surpassing righteousness? Well, it is not by what we can offer God. I am reminded of those words of the prophet Isaiah, For all of us have become like one who is unclean, And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; And all of us wither like a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, take us away (Isaiah 64:6). It does not come with our trying harder. It is not something that we can achieve in and through ourselves.

Friends, this surpassing righteousness only comes when we accept what God has already provided for us through Jesus Christ. Remember these familiar words of the Apostle Paul: He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21). What I could not do, God has already done for me! Now all He asks is that I commit my life to Him and allow Him to live His life through me. Do I have to try harder? No, God even supplies the power which enables me to live for Him. I just have to pray with the words from the song writer: Mold me, make me, fill me, use me. Then God will perform His mighty works in and through me. Now, that is a surpassing righteousness. To God be all the glory.

Father, I praise You that Your desire is to give us an abundant life. You want us to have a righteousness that surpasses that of the Pharisees. And, this is a gift to us. It is not something we have to work hard in order to earn. It becomes ours as we turn our life over to You for You to manage. Forgive us for living such meager lives of destitution. Cause us to enjoy what You have created us for. For this we will give You thanks, in Jesus’ precious name. Amen.

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