Being Exceedingly Righteous

“Being Exceedingly Righteous” 
By Bro. Micah See | 18 May 2025 | Matthew 5:17–20 (NKJV) 

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus made a profound statement: “Unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” This bold declaration calls us to examine what true righteousness means—not the kind that merely follows the law outwardly, but one that flows from a transformed heart. 

The righteousness of the Pharisees was rooted in legalism and outward appearances. They were known for their knowledge of the Scriptures and their strict observance of the law. However, Jesus pointed out their hypocrisy. In Matthew 23:3–5, He warned the people to do what the Pharisees said but not what they did, because their actions did not match their words. They burdened others with rules while doing little themselves. Their goal was to be seen as holy and superior, performing religious duties for public praise rather than out of genuine devotion to God. In Luke 18:9–14, Jesus illustrated this point through the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. The Pharisee boasted of his righteousness, while the tax collector humbly asked for mercy. It was the tax collector, not the Pharisee, who was justified before God. 

In contrast, Jesus called His followers to a higher, deeper righteousness—one that goes beyond external obedience to embrace the heart of God’s law. This is illustrated in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37). Unlike the priest and the Levite who passed by a wounded man, the Samaritan stopped, showed compassion, and acted at personal cost. This parable teaches us that exceeding righteousness involves loving action, even toward those we might naturally avoid. It is not enough to know what is right; we must live it out. This kind of righteousness is sacrificial, compassionate, and goes beyond expectations. It mirrors the love of Christ and embodies humility. 

Jesus Himself exemplified this in how He served others. When He washed His disciples’ feet, including Judas who would betray Him, He demonstrated that true greatness lies in humble service. Exceeding righteousness involves a willingness to lower ourselves for the good of others. In Matthew 6:1–4, Jesus reminded us that good deeds should be done in secret, not for public recognition but to please our Father in heaven. We must check our motives and seek to please God rather than people. 

Ultimately, Christ is the source of our righteousness. In Philippians 3:8–9, Paul writes that he counts all his achievements as loss compared to gaining Christ. He does not rely on his own righteousness through the law but on the righteousness that comes by faith in Jesus. 

Similarly, Titus 2:11–15 tells us that the grace of God teaches us to live righteously and godly in this present age, not by striving to appear holy, but by being truly transformed through Christ. We live out our faith not by rigid law-keeping but by being zealous for good works, led by the Spirit of God. 

True righteousness, then, is not about appearing religious or impressive to others. It is about being inwardly transformed, humbly obedient, and genuinely loving. It is living out the Scriptures from the heart—not for self-glory but for the glory of God. As Proverbs 21:3 says, “To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” May we, through Christ, pursue this exceeding righteousness in our daily walk.