The Scribes and the Pharisees were the religious leaders. They thought they were ROLE MODELS FOR THE PEOPLE to follow. They were blameless in their religious observances. The people looked at them for guidance. The people must have believed that the Scribes and the Pharisees were the first to enter the kingdom of Heaven. However, Jesus was teaching them that GOD’S STANDARD IS HIGHER THAN WHAT MAN CAN ACCOMPLISH.
From 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.” We cannot enter heaven with our works and observance to the law, for WE CAN NEVER MEET THE STANDARD REQUIRED BY GOD. We need God to save us. Therefore, GOD GAVE US HIS ONE AND ONLY SON, JESUS CHRIST, a perfect person TO TAKE OUR PLACE and help us reach the standard demanded by God. For Jesus said, “I am the WAY, and the TRUTH, and the LIFE. No one comes to the Father except THROUGH ME.“ (John 14:6b).
“Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. How priceless is YOUR UNFAILING LOVE, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.” (Psalms 36:5, 7-9) We need to seek the light of the Lord to illuminate our path!
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham