Matthew 5:17-20
The King fulfills Scripture and requires a righteousness deeper than religious appearance.
17 “Don’t think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn’t come to destroy, but to fulfill.
18 For most certainly, I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not even one smallest letter or one tiny pen stroke shall in any way pass away from the law, until all things are accomplished.
19 Whoever, therefore, shall break one of these least commandments, and teach others to do so, shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but whoever shall do and teach them shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.
20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.
The King fulfills Scripture and requires a righteousness deeper than religious appearance.
Matthew records Jesus clarifying that his kingdom teaching fulfills the Law and the Prophets and demands a righteousness deeper than that of the scribes and Pharisees.
The Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus teaches his disciples in the presence of the crowds.
Kingdom Blessedness, Fulfilled Law, and Heart-Level Righteousness
Jesus reveals that kingdom citizens are blessed, visible, Scripture-governed, and called to a heart-level righteousness that reflects the character of their heavenly Father.