Summary
The Scribes and Pharisees have abused the Law and twisted Scripture to their own ends. Having made a “god” out of their traditions, and their own narrow interpretations, the Scribes and Pharisees have emptied the law of all its meaning. While they appear “Holy” by their strict devotion to the Law, internally their hearts are as rebellious as ever. Jesus confronts their external obedience, revealing it to be insufficient to meet the God’s high standard. Jesus’ sermon effectively rewrites the Law, beginning with the most obvious Commandment “Thou Shall not Kill”. Jesus teaches that God not only does not want us to murder, He does not want us to hold on to any anger. On the surface, this appears to contradict passages where the Bible allows, even commands, us to be angry. Jesus did not come to cancel or correct the Old Testament Commandment, rather, He intends to amplify the Law in order to bring everyone, even the “law-abiding” religious, under its condemnation and lead them to the cross.
Bible References
- Matthew 5:20 - 26
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