A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW     

YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS  

Matthew 5:20 “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” 

The Pharisees and Scribes considered themselves holy. They not only worked diligently to obey the Ten Commandments given by God through Moses to Israel, but they also developed over 600 additional laws they religiously attempted to obey. One could say their entire life was devoted to keeping the Law. 

A rich man came to Jesus and asked, “Good teacher . . . what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus responded to him, “You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’” “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” 

Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.” “At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.” (Mark 10:17-31)  

Jesus’ point to His disciples and to you is, true righteousness comes through a person’s faith relationship with Jesus. Otherwise, it has to be earned and no human being is capable of living the perfect life God requires. Through faith in Jesus, your good deeds flow. Your righteousness only occurs when you follow Jesus, do the works He has taught you out of love for Him. Good fruit comes from a good tree.    A relationship with Jesus was what was missing for the Pharisees and Scribes. The rich man thought he wanted to follow Jesus only to realize that doing so meant divesting himself of everything else. A righteousness without Jesus is no righteousness at all. A righteousness through Jesus is true and acceptable to your Heavenly Father. 

Prayer: Lord, grant that I derive my life and being and all good things from Him alone, Jesus, who is the good tree from which I derive good fruit. In His holy name. Amen. 

Seek where you may To find a way That leads to your salvation.  
My heart is stilled, On Christ I build. He is the one foundation.  
His Word is sure, His works endure; He overthrows All evil foes  
Through Him I more than conquer. 

Seek whom you may To be your stay, None can redeem his brother.  
All helpers failed; This man prevailed. The God-man and none other  
Our Servant-King Of whom we sing. We’re justified Because He died  
The guilty being guiltless. 

Seek Him alone Who did atone, Who did your souls deliver.  
O seek Him first, All you who thirst For grace that fails you never  
In ev’ry need Seek Him indeed; To ev’ry heart He will impart  
His blessings without measure. 

My heart’s delight, My crown most bright, O Christ, my joy forever.  
Not wealth nor pride Nor fortune’s tide   
Our bonds of love shall sever You are my Lord; Your precious Word  
Shall guide my way And help me stay Forever in Your presence.  (LSB 557)