Mat 5:20 | MHM | STEP | v. 20 : Jesus continues, Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:20 ). This surprises many people, because the scribes and Pharisees were seen as very religious. They prayed, fasted, gave to the poor, and knew the law. But Jesus says that real righteousness is not just about outward actions or impressing others. It is about obeying God from the heart and trusting in him, not being proud of ourselves. True followers of Jesus must aim higher than the scribes and Pharisees. We must do what is right, not just for show, but for God, and trust in Jesus’ righteousness, not our own.

‏ Matthew 5:20

v. 20: Jesus continues, Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:20 ^a). This surprises many people, because the scribes and Pharisees were seen as very religious. They prayed, fasted, gave to the poor, and knew the law. But Jesus says that real righteousness is not just about outward actions or impressing others. It is about obeying God from the heart and trusting in him, not being proud of ourselves. True followers of Jesus must aim higher than the scribes and Pharisees. We must do what is right, not just for show, but for God, and trust in Jesus’ righteousness, not our own.