Jesus Talks About Jots, Tittles, and Righteousness
Photo by Francesco Alberti on Unsplash
“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 NIV) [see full text in button/link below]
What Is It That Compels You?
We all feel some pressure to live up to certain standards for our lives. Some people strive to their last breath to maintain or attain whatever expectations they have. Others give up on trying, long before their final breath.
Many expectations result from the internal voice of a parent or loved one whose longed for acceptance drives us. Various external demands or expectations, such as social norms, peer groups, or certain institutions, compel many people.
The problem with most expectations—whether internal or external—is their unreachable-ness. Many, if not most, expectations or supposed standards are unrealistic, unreasonable, or impossible. Perhaps all three.
American culture is full of unrealistic and unreasonable expectations, especially amidst the current relativistic and intolerant climate. Here’s a shortlist—
• You can be anything you want to be, or do whatever you think you can do
• Everyone should be… (fill in the blank)
• Your only limitation is yourself
• All… (certain types of people) are… (fill in the blank)
Sadly, the Christian church, especially in America, either embraces or rejects many of these unrealistic and unreasonable expectations, but in a reactionary sense.
Looking through the lens of the 21st century, it’s hard to relate to what seems like a more simplistic culture in the time of Jesus and His disciples. And yet, a similar cultural confusion existed then among the religious elite and the general population who heard Jesus teach.
Idealistic and ideological generalizations rage and reign over more rational thought.
Insights
As mentioned before, the Mosaic Law was the basis for the Covenant relationship for God’s people. But the Law required obedience, and its demands seemed impossible. In truth, they are impossible without God’s grace.
Jesus declared He came to fulfill the Law, not destroy it. This is why He begins to redefine it. He makes it clear the Law is good and none of it—“the smallest letter (tittle) … least stroke” (jot)—will be removed until it is all fulfilled.
Jesus doubles down on the importance of the Law with His warning against breaking any of it and commendation for those keeping it—
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 NIV84)
But Jesus goes on to say something astounding—
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 NIV84)
This statement ran counter to the prevailing wisdom of His time and still does today.
Redefining the Nature of God’s Kingdom
What did Jesus mean by, “unless your righteousness surpasses (exceeds) that of the Pharisees…?” This alone seems impossible, even ridiculous. It did to the disciples, too.
Why? The Pharisees and teachers of the Law were akin to professional law-keepers. The Pharisees were rich and privileged, which everyone saw as God’s seal of approval. 1
Here is where Jesus starts redefining what it means to keep the Law and be righteous in God’s sight. Another way of explaining the word righteousness is to say a person is in right standing with God, or they have a pleasing relationship with God.
Jesus points us back to what He declares in the Beatitudes. Those who are poor, who mourn, are humble and meek, merciful, pure in heart, and peacemakers—these are the citizens of God’s Kingdom. Those who think they are more righteous and spiritually superior are not the ones who please God. The opposite is true.
Righteousness—genuine, godly, God-approved righteousness—is relational.
Jesus now begins to explain the truth about righteousness that is most often misunderstood, then and now. The most important relationship, of course, is between each person and God. Jesus is the focus of this relationship, as stated in Matthew 5:10-12, which is made clearer to His followers later. 2
The righteousness of the Pharisees and teachers was based on their interpretations of the Law and what they saw to be right. Jesus confronts this view over and over throughout the Gospel narrative. The Pharisees and teachers were convinced of their righteousness. But it was a delusion. It was a conceited and self-deceiving view of what pleased God. 3
Sadly, many Christian believers are stuck on a similar treadmill of performance-based or good-works-oriented Christianity. Trying to be good enough to please God is a futile effort. None of us can reach or fulfill that standard or expectation.
Jesus goes on to explain how our relationship with the Lord is directly related to how we interact and treat others. This is the focus of the rest of Matthew Chapter 5 and beyond.
What was your understanding of righteousness before?
How has it changed or become clearer?
Do you have a personal and grace-based relationship with the Lord now?
Reflection—
True righteousness is relational. It’s based on our relationship with the Lord through faith and by His grace. It isn’t about being good by our own efforts to meet some spiritual standards. The only expectation is for us to follow the Lord as He does a transforming work in us.
Prayer Focus—
When you find yourself striving in any way, stop and seek the Lord in prayer. Ask Him to fill you with His peace and the assurance of His love as you trust in Him. Cease from striving, and rest in His grace.
Footnotes–
See– Mark 10:17-27
See– John 14:6-11
See– Matthew Chapter 23– note the “7 woes” Jesus declares.
This is an excerpt from a soon-to-be-published book called The Heart and Soul of God’s Kingdom. Look for it on Amazon with my other books— Trip Kimball on Amazon
