By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph. D.
Professor of Biblical Studies, University of Mobile
TRUE RIGHTEOUSNESS
Matthew 5:13–20, 43–48
Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount is an exposition on Kingdom living and a warning against pharisaic self-righteousness. Pharisees were right to recognize the priority of the Torah in covenant living, but they were wrong in their attitude that they were able to fulfill the law on their own. True righteousness is imputed by the King for His glory.
Influence your culture (13–16)
“You are the salt of the earth.” Salt preserves meat. Anyone who has ever had a country ham can confirm. Salt stings in a wound but it also promotes healing. Salt seasons, making bland foods savory. Rock salt serves to melt ice, but it is trodden underfoot. May the Lord use you to preserve, to promote healing and to provide seasoning (Col. 4:6).
“You are the light of the world.” Disciples of Jesus are light in the world the way the moon is light at night. We reflect the light of the Son much like the moon reflects the light of the sun. Jesus Himself is the true Light of the world (John 1:9; 8:12; 9:5).
“Let your light shine before others.” “This little light of mine… Hide it under a bushel? Don’t let Satan blow it out! … Let it shine.” These simple lyrics to a children’s song accurately capture the essence of the Master’s teaching here.
Obey your Father (17–20)
“I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.” The word “fulfill” is a key term in Matthew’s presentation of Jesus. Prior to the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5–7), the evangelist already narrated that Jesus fulfilled Isaiah 7:14 (1:22), Hosea 11:1 (2:15) and Isaiah 9:1–2 (4:14–16). The Son came to fulfill the Father’s will.
Not a single “letter will pass away from the law.” Jesus underscored the complete trustworthiness of the Old Testament, highlighting that every word of its promises would be completed in Him. Jesus reiterated how He fulfilled the prophecies of messianic suffering after His resurrection (Luke 24:27, 44, 46).
“Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees…” Experts in the Torah knew there were 613 laws written in the Books of Moses. A person may be self-righteous without ever knowing the righteousness of Christ. How can anyone practice a righteousness that surpasses the experts in the law? The answer is found in the Torah: “Abram believed the LORD, and He credited it to him as righteousness” (Gen. 15:6). Still more is explained in the Prophets: “The righteous one will live by his faith” (Hab. 2:4).
Love your enemies (43–48)
In the intervening passages in chapter 5, Jesus distinguished the teachings of contemporary rabbis from Himself. They often quoted the oral law — verbal rabbinic interpretations passed down through the generations until they were codified in the Mishnah.
Their practice was to quote from rabbis who cited earlier rabbis who quoted from the Scriptures: “You have heard that it was said…” (5:21, 27, 33, 38, 43). Jesus distinguished His teaching from theirs: “But I tell you…” (5:22, 28, 32, 34, 39, 44). Not only did Jesus distinguish His approach from theirs, but the crowds also recognized His authoritative teaching (7:28–29).
Loving God. Loving our neighbor. These are reasonable commands, but how do we love our enemies? We follow Jesus.
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