What Jesus Did! 'Righteousness!' — Matthew 5:20

Thursday, February 20, 2025

[Jesus continued:] "But I warn you — unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!"
— Matthew 5:20 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus repeatedly and even deliberately enters into conflict with the Pharisees and teachers of religious law (or scribes, in some translations) in Matthew's gospel. Why? Why are Jesus' most scathing denunciations directed at those most recognized as the religious in his society? Jesus is concerned because God's truth often gets lost in their arguments over theoretical and picky religious subjects. Their goal seems to revolve around trying to justify themselves and their actions without displaying the righteousness and grace of God. Jesus wants his disciples to demonstrate the intent of the law in our lives. He wants us, as God's children, to display the heart and character of God in our daily lives. He wants his disciples to be a new generation that has living the righteousness and grace of God as its consuming passion.

Today's Prayer

Father, I want to be righteous. I want to live my life in a way that reflects your love for the lost, your compassion for the broken, your passion for holiness, and your disdain for hypocrisy. I know that this holy life is not possible on my own, so please cleanse me and make me holy by the power of your Spirit. Please bring forth the righteous character of your Son in me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

2 Related Resources by Heartlight

Rules, Rules, Rules
Article by Steve Ridgell
Baseball is more than just a set of confusing rules. So is Christianity Christianity is more than a set of rules no one can follow. It is about a relationship with Jesus.
Going Deeper than the Old Commands
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Precious One, Today's message is very important because many in your religious world turn grace into an excuse to do whatever they want rather....."

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 5:20 NLT — [Jesus continued:] "But I warn you — unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!"

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, February 20, 2025

Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Study God’s Word and Will Wholeheartedly'
"I will take pleasure in your laws and remember your words. Treat me with kindness, Lord, so that I may live and do what you say. Open my mind and let...."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Psalm 34:15
"The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Alive in Christ' (Ep. 2:4-5)
"Dear Father, ruler of heaven and earth, When you raised up Christ, you raised me out of my dead state as well. You set me on a throne of honor with....."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by William Blake:
"Where others see but the dawn coming over the hill, I see the soul of God shouting for joy."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!