Matthew 5:19-20 reads, "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. 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." What did Jesus mean by this? Are people saved automatically because they teach something correctly? Also, I want to know what the Pharisees were like so that I can be sure to "surpass" their righteousness. Will Luke 18 help? -- Amanda Closs
Jesus calls all of us to honor and respect the Law, just as he himself followed it--not only in letter, but also in spirit. As he makes clear in Matthew 5, the Pharisees' righteousness was based on legalism and external observance. This is what we must guard against. (Yes, Luke 18:9-14 gives us a memorable illustration of how not to be.)
On the other hand, no one is saved automatically just because he or she teaches some of the truth. (See Matthew 7:21-23!) In fact, everybody teaches some of the truth. Rather, me must base our spiritual foundation squarely on the word of God (Matthew 7:24-27).
This article is copyrighted and is for private use and study only. © 2004. Reprints or public distribution is prohibited without the express consent of Douglas Jacoby.
