So then, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do likewise will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever practices and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:19 and 20
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Better than the best
To the first listeners the Pharisees were not villains. They were the serious ones, who wanted to keep the law right down to daily life. Who could be more righteous than they were? Yet Jesus says: you must go further.
He doesn't mean a longer list. The words that follow, about anger, faithfulness and enemies, make that clear. It is about a righteousness that doesn't stop where the rule ends. And whoever sets aside a small commandment is called the least. So he still belongs.
Question for today
Where do I stop at the minimum, because the rule asks no more?
Prayer
God, I can live a very tidy life and still be far from you. Give me a righteousness that comes from my heart. Amen.
My prayer
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