Matthew 5:20
Verse
Context
The Fulfillment of the Law
19So then, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do likewise will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever practices and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.20For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees--The superiority to the Pharisaic righteousness here required is plainly in kind, not degree; for all Scripture teaches that entrance into God's kingdom, whether in its present or future stage, depends, not on the degree of our excellence in anything, but solely on our having the character itself which God demands. Our righteousness, then--if it is to contrast with the outward and formal righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees--must be inward, vital, spiritual. Some, indeed, of the scribes and Pharisees themselves might have the very righteousness here demanded; but our Lord is speaking, not of persons, but of the system they represented and taught. ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven--If this refer, as in Mat 5:19, rather to the earthly stage of this kingdom, the meaning is that without a righteousness exceeding that of the Pharisees, we cannot be members of it at all, save in name. This was no new doctrine (Rom 2:28-29; Rom 9:6; Phi 3:3). But our Lord's teaching here stretches beyond the present scene, to that everlasting stage of the kingdom, where without "purity of heart" none "shall see God." The Spirituality of the True Righteousness in Contrast with That of the Scribes and Pharisees, Illustrated from the Sixth Commandment. (Mat 5:21-26).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For I say unto you,.... These words are directed, not to the true disciples of Christ in general, or to his apostles in particular, but to the whole multitude of the people; who had in great esteem and admiration the Scribes and Pharisees, for their seeming righteousness and holiness; concerning which Christ says, that except your righteousness exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven. He mentions the Scribes, because they were the more learned part of the people, who were employed in writing out, and expounding the law; and the Pharisees, because they were the strictest sect among the Jews for outward religion and righteousness; and yet, it seems, their righteousness was very defective; it lay only in an external observance of the law; did not arise from a purified heart, or the principles of grace; nor was it performed sincerely, and with a view to the glory of God; but for their own applause, and in order to obtain eternal life: besides, they neglected the weightier matters of the law, and contented themselves with the lesser ones; and as they were deficient in their practice, so they were very lax in their doctrines, as appears from the foregoing verse. Wherefore Christ informs his hearers, that they must have a better righteousness than these men had, if ever they expected to enter into the kingdom of heaven. There will be no admission into heaven without a righteousness: it was the loss of righteousness which removed Adam out of his earthly paradise; and it is not agreeable to the justice of God, to admit man into his heavenly paradise without one; yea, it is contrary to his nature, and would be destructive to the comfort of saints, to receive an unrighteous person into his kingdom and glory. A "pharisaical" righteousness will never bring a person thither; nor will any righteousness of man's, be it what it will, because the best is imperfect; it must be a righteousness exceeding that of the Scribes and Pharisees; and such is the righteousness of the saints: indeed their inherent righteousness, or the sanctification of the Spirit, is preferable to any righteousness of a natural man; it exceeds it in its author, nature, effects, and usefulness; yea, even works of righteousness done by believers are greatly preferable to any done by such men as are here mentioned: but, above all, the righteousness of Christ, which is imputed to them, and received by faith, is infinitely more excellent in its author, perfection, purity, and use; and which is their only right and title to eternal glory; and without which no man will be admitted into that glorious state.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:20 unless your righteousness is better: Jesus’ disciples must have the substantially new kind of righteousness that Jesus teaches and makes possible (illustrated in 5:21-47 and summed up in 5:48); it is both quantitatively and qualitatively distinct. Just as Jesus is greater than the Temple (12:6) and Jonah (12:41), so the righteousness of his followers far outstrips that of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees (see 3:7-9).
Matthew 5:20
The Fulfillment of the Law
19So then, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do likewise will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever practices and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.20For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Except Ye Repent
By Paris Reidhead16K45:32RepentancePSA 7:11MAT 5:20ROM 10:9HEB 2:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the dire plight and desperate need of humanity by contrasting it with the Beatitudes. He asks the congregation if they have ever been lost, and only a few hands go up. However, when he asks if they are saved, all hands go up. This leads him to reflect on the words of Jesus, who came to seek and save the lost. The preacher then highlights the importance of recognizing the authority of Christ and having a genuine heart-felt faith, rather than just a superficial agreement or emotional response. He concludes by urging the audience to consider their own salvation and the salvation of their loved ones, emphasizing the need to not neglect the great salvation offered by God.
So Great Salvation
By Paris Reidhead6.4K56:17SalvationMAT 5:20LUK 13:3HEB 1:1HEB 2:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of paying close attention to the word of God and not allowing it to slip away. He shares a personal anecdote about his wife losing a precious stone from her engagement ring in the mud, highlighting how easily valuable things can be lost. The speaker then relates this to the tragedy of neglecting the truth of God's word and the consequences that come with it. He warns against becoming preoccupied with worldly tasks and urges listeners to give earnest heed to the things they have heard. The sermon emphasizes the need to not neglect the pardon and justifying love of Jesus Christ and the importance of not letting the truth of God's word slip away like sand through our fingers.
Confronting the Homosexual Agenda
By Michael L. Brown3.7K1:10:02HomosexualityMAT 5:10MAT 5:14MAT 5:16MAT 5:20EPH 5:8In this sermon, the speaker discusses the spiritual state of young people in America, as revealed by a survey conducted by George Barna. The survey found that many young people have a moral standard of "whatever" and lack strong convictions. The speaker emphasizes the need for the church to engage in holy conflict with the world and live as children of light. They also address the opposition faced by those who speak against the homosexual agenda, being labeled as hate-filled bigots. The sermon concludes with an invitation to attend a conference focused on taking back cities for God.
The Unshakable Life
By Zac Poonen2.1K45:48OvercomingMAT 5:20MAT 6:33MAT 7:24MAT 7:26EPH 6:13In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of living an unshakable life in a world that is becoming increasingly evil and dangerous. He shares the news of his son and daughter-in-law having twins, emphasizing that every child is a gift from God and a message that God has not given up on the world. The speaker explains that while it is expected for new believers to be shaky in their faith, as they grow, they should become steady and unshakable. He highlights the importance of mastering sin and how, through the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, believers can overcome sin and live unshakable lives. The speaker also references Ephesians 6:13, encouraging believers to put on the full armor of God so that they can resist the attacks of Satan and stand firm in the face of adversity.
Things Unshakable - an Unshakable Life
By Zac Poonen1.9K46:37UnshakablePSA 16:8MAT 5:20MAT 7:12ACT 2:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commands and trusting that they are for our own good. He compares our relationship with God to that of a parent and child, highlighting how children often think they know better than their parents and end up making mistakes. The speaker references Matthew 5:20 and Matthew 7, explaining that those who not only hear God's words but also put them into practice will have an unshakable life. He warns against the dangers of disobeying God's commands, such as refusing to forgive or indulging in sinful behaviors, which can lead to negative consequences in our lives. The speaker encourages believers to truly believe that they can follow Jesus and strive to walk in his footsteps.
Sermon on the Mount: Christian Response to Personal Injury (Part 2)
By J. Glyn Owen1.4K46:07Sermon on the MountEXO 21:24MAT 5:20MAT 5:38LUK 6:27ROM 12:19In this sermon, the speaker, Tom Skinner, shares a powerful story about a moment of racial prejudice he experienced. Despite being physically attacked, Skinner responds with love and forgiveness, saying, "I love you anyway because of Jesus." He emphasizes the importance of not resisting evil and instead trusting in God's justice. Skinner connects this principle to the message of repentance and the power of the Holy Spirit in the kingdom of God. He also mentions the example of Billy Bray, a Methodist preacher who exemplified this principle in his life.
You Are the Best Christian They Know
By Paris Reidhead1.3K1:04:07WitnessingMAT 5:20MAT 6:33MAT 17:5JHN 6:5JHN 14:6In this sermon, the speaker encourages the audience to actively listen and learn from the word of God. He refers to the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapter 5, where Jesus describes the characteristics of a blessed and happy person. The speaker emphasizes the importance of humility and a teachable spirit, using the example of Paul and Silas in prison. Despite being freed from their chains, they chose to stay and save the jailer from punishment. The sermon highlights the need to be open and receptive to God's teachings and to be willing to serve and help others.
Havner for Breakfeast
By Vance Havner1.3K23:38ConferenceMAT 5:20MAT 7:24In this sermon, the speaker expresses his frustration with the moral decline and societal issues of his time. He criticizes the lack of values and the acceptance of adultery, illegitimacy, and artificial wealth. The speaker emphasizes the importance of traditional values and the Ten Commandments, highlighting the need for a moral compass in society. He also reflects on the dependence on technology and gadgets, reminding listeners of the simplicity and importance of basic necessities like air, water, and light. Throughout the sermon, the speaker references biblical teachings and emphasizes the need for spiritual growth and reliance on God.
What Can the Righteous Do?
By Vance Havner1.1K24:00Christian LifeISA 66:24MAT 5:20MAT 7:21LUK 13:3JHN 3:161CO 6:10REV 21:8In this sermon, the preacher highlights the current state of the world, describing it as a hopeless mess in various areas such as government, law observance, morality, and family life. He emphasizes the dependence of mankind on simple things like the sun, air, and water, despite the advancements in technology. The preacher expresses his concern about the shift in focus from God to worldly pursuits and the disregard for moral values. He also criticizes the idea of progress without acknowledging the consequences of sin. Throughout the sermon, the preacher refers to the Bible and its commandments as a guide for righteous living.
Christianity on Christ Terms - Teaching
By Paris Reidhead1.1K54:21TeachingMAT 5:20LUK 13:3JHN 3:36ACT 4:12ROM 10:9EPH 2:81JN 5:12In this sermon, Reverend Paris Readhead emphasizes the importance of Christianity on Christ's terms. He urges the audience to consider the saying that not everyone talking about heaven will actually go there. To ensure one's place in heaven, Reverend Readhead provides four scripture verses for the audience to write down. He then shares the story of the Roman jailer in Philippi, highlighting the transformative power of God's intervention and the willingness to be taught and informed, just like little children.
Christianity on Christ Terms - Preaching
By Paris Reidhead1.1K35:44PreachingISA 53:6MAT 5:20MAT 6:33LUK 13:5LUK 13:8JHN 3:162CO 13:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of simplifying the message of Christianity in order to effectively share it with others. He encourages listeners to mark their Bibles with key verses that represent the core teachings of Christianity. The speaker suggests using five white pages in the back of the Bible for this purpose. He specifically mentions Matthew 5:20, where Jesus states that one's righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees to enter the kingdom of heaven. The speaker shares a story of a woman who successfully shared the Gospel with a general by guiding him to specific verses that addressed his specific needs.
Hebrews 12:18-29
By Don McClure1.1K41:42EXO 19:10EXO 19:16EXO 20:13MAT 5:20MAT 22:37HEB 10:31HEB 12:18In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about a little boy who is being chased by a man from an insane asylum. The boy is terrified and running for his life, but eventually, the man catches up to him. However, instead of harming the boy, the man touches him and says, "You're it," before running back to the asylum. The preacher uses this story to illustrate the fears that people have in life and how they can be overcome. He also references the book of Hebrews in the Bible, where the writer talks about the fears that the New Testament Hebrew believers had and how they were meant to understand the unapproachability of God.
The Kingdom of God (1 of 2)
By Paul Ravenhill1.1K38:10MAT 5:3MAT 5:10MAT 5:20MAT 5:48JHN 14:261CO 12:4HEB 10:5In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of understanding the word of God and its relevance to our lives. He emphasizes that God repeats the history of the world in every generation, just as Jesus spoke of those who rejected the kingdom of God. The preacher highlights the process that God follows in blessing, delivering, and revealing Himself to His people. He also acknowledges the presence of both good and bad influences in the world and encourages believers to seek a deep understanding of God's work and to rely on Him for guidance and strength.
Pentecost Is Loving Jesus
By Hans R. Waldvogel1.0K24:23PentecostGEN 15:1PSA 27:1PSA 37:4MAT 5:20JHN 15:9EPH 3:16EPH 3:18In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being passionately devoted to Jesus and seeking to please Him. The speaker uses personal anecdotes and examples to illustrate how being in love with Jesus should lead to a desire for holiness and spiritual growth. The sermon also highlights the need to have a wide vision of the Church and the kingdom of God, understanding our purpose and what Jesus wants from us. The speaker encourages listeners to be rooted and grounded in love, knowing and experiencing the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge.
Sermon on the Mount: In Pursuit of Righteousness
By J. Glyn Owen99843:38Sermon on the MountMAT 5:20MAT 6:1MAT 7:7During a deputation tour in Missouri, the speaker shared his conversion story and discussed various topics. One farmer's wife, who rarely spoke up in meetings, asked for more information about a tract that was mentioned. The speaker provided additional details about the tract and praised the woman for her contribution to its success. The speaker then shifted the topic to the importance of locking doors to protect against thieves, both physical and metaphorical, such as death. The speaker concluded by emphasizing the need to focus on spiritual treasures rather than earthly possessions.
Forgiveness
By Paris Reidhead88236:18ForgivenessMAT 5:20MAT 18:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and the heart attitude behind it. He uses the parable of the unforgiving servant to illustrate his point. The parable tells the story of a servant who owed a huge debt to his master but was forgiven, only to turn around and refuse to forgive a fellow servant who owed him a much smaller amount. The preacher highlights the immense forgiveness that God has shown us through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, and emphasizes that we must also forgive others from our hearts. He concludes by explaining the process of addressing and resolving conflicts within the church community.
(Ephesians) the Riches of Grace
By Jeff Noblit7561:17:49GraceMAT 5:20MAT 16:18JHN 10:27ROM 3:23EPH 1:8EPH 1:12REV 5:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the concept of freedom through redemption in Christ Jesus. He explains that through Christ, believers are set free from the enslaving power of sin. The preacher highlights that sin brings condemnation from God, regardless of the number of sins committed. He also discusses the divine gift of insight and wisdom that God lavishes upon believers. The sermon emphasizes that salvation is a gift from God, not by chance or human choice, but by God's sovereign will. The preacher references Ephesians 2:8-9 to support the message of salvation by grace through faith.
Two Roads Two Destinies 04 Ireland st.chapel
By Worth Ellis71946:31MAT 5:20ROM 3:9ROM 3:22ROM 3:28ROM 6:23In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of a narrow path and a broad road. He emphasizes that there is no middle ground and that every individual is either saved or lost. The preacher highlights that all people are born in sin and are enemies of God, but through the grace of God and receiving Christ, they can be saved. The sermon also mentions that the Bible warns about the way that seems right but leads to death. The preacher encourages listeners to choose the path of righteousness and avoid the ways of the world.
When Is Good, Good Enough?
By Shane Idleman63805:20MAT 5:20LUK 9:23LUK 14:27ROM 3:102CO 5:21This sermon emphasizes the insufficiency of human righteousness compared to the standard set by Jesus, highlighting the need for Christ's imputed righteousness for salvation. It challenges the misconception that being 'good enough' can earn salvation, stressing the importance of repentance, belief in Christ, and understanding the true cost of the cross. Genuine faith is emphasized over mere religious actions or good deeds.
Condition and Place
By Robert B. Thompson6371:18:00MAT 5:20MAT 10:37LUK 20:35ROM 13:11REV 3:4In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of growing for adoption and the end times. He references three verses, Romans 13:11, Ephesians (twice), and 1 Peter 1:5, which all speak about the future salvation and the redemption of the body. The preacher emphasizes that salvation is not just a spiritual concept but also includes the physical redemption of our bodies. He explains that attaining this redemption requires living in the spirit, putting to death the deeds of the body, and cooperating with God's power. The sermon encourages listeners to nurture their spiritual lives and endure to the end to be saved.
Sermon on the Mount - Part 21
By David Servant62728:30MAT 5:3MAT 5:17MAT 5:20MAT 5:48MAT 7:13MAT 7:21MAT 7:24This sermon focuses on the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapter seven, emphasizing the importance of obedience to Christ's teachings for salvation. Jesus warns about false teachers and the narrow path to eternal life, highlighting the necessity of holiness and obedience. The sermon stresses the authority of Christ's teachings compared to the scribes and Pharisees, urging listeners to be disciples who obey all of Christ's commandments for entrance into heaven.
The Test (A Wise Builder Digs Down to the Rock)
By Hans R. Waldvogel54127:34AssuranceMAT 5:20MAT 7:24In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of building one's life on a solid foundation, which is Jesus Christ. He warns that trials and tests will come, and only those who are built upon the rock foundation of faith in Jesus will be able to withstand them. The preacher also highlights the danger of judging others, as we ourselves will be judged by God. He encourages listeners to focus on their own faults rather than criticizing others. The sermon references biblical passages such as Matthew 7:24-27 and Romans 14:10.
End of Reconcilation
By Vance Havner25807:41ReconcilationMAT 5:20MAT 22:37LUK 15:7ROM 12:2EPH 4:26JAS 4:81JN 1:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of getting right with God and living a life that reflects the image of Jesus. He encourages the congregation to examine their lives and identify any areas where they may be falling short. The preacher warns against relying on external religious practices and highlights the need for genuine repentance and obedience to God. He also addresses the issue of discord within families and urges individuals to reconcile and seek forgiveness. The sermon emphasizes the need for personal and spiritual growth, and the importance of living a life that pleases God.
Contrast Between What Has Been and What Will Be
By Paris Reidhead13238:40Christian LifeMAT 5:3MAT 5:20MAT 6:33MAT 7:21MAT 8:1MAT 16:5MAT 17:5In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of David and the Ark of the Covenant to emphasize the importance of following God's instructions. He highlights the need for obedience and surrender to God's will, rather than relying on human wisdom or the opinions of others. The speaker emphasizes the significance of listening to Jesus, as the Father has declared him to be his Son. He also discusses the Sermon on the Mount and the new kind of life that believers are called to live, emphasizing that true faith is demonstrated through actions, not just words.
Concerning Sanctity
By G. Campbell Morgan0SanctificationRighteousnessEXO 3:5EXO 3:14MAT 5:20MAT 5:48JHN 1:17JHN 6:35JHN 14:6JHN 17:1JHN 17:6JHN 17:17G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the teachings of Christ regarding sanctity, highlighting the necessity for believers to exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees to enter the kingdom of heaven. He explains that sanctification is the ultimate goal of salvation, which involves both holiness of character and righteousness of conduct. Morgan illustrates that true righteousness stems from a relationship with God and is expressed through love and obedience to His word. He underscores that Jesus' prayer for His disciples, 'Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth,' encapsulates the essence of living a sanctified life. Ultimately, Morgan encourages believers to embody both holiness and righteousness in their daily lives as a reflection of their relationship with God.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees--The superiority to the Pharisaic righteousness here required is plainly in kind, not degree; for all Scripture teaches that entrance into God's kingdom, whether in its present or future stage, depends, not on the degree of our excellence in anything, but solely on our having the character itself which God demands. Our righteousness, then--if it is to contrast with the outward and formal righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees--must be inward, vital, spiritual. Some, indeed, of the scribes and Pharisees themselves might have the very righteousness here demanded; but our Lord is speaking, not of persons, but of the system they represented and taught. ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven--If this refer, as in Mat 5:19, rather to the earthly stage of this kingdom, the meaning is that without a righteousness exceeding that of the Pharisees, we cannot be members of it at all, save in name. This was no new doctrine (Rom 2:28-29; Rom 9:6; Phi 3:3). But our Lord's teaching here stretches beyond the present scene, to that everlasting stage of the kingdom, where without "purity of heart" none "shall see God." The Spirituality of the True Righteousness in Contrast with That of the Scribes and Pharisees, Illustrated from the Sixth Commandment. (Mat 5:21-26).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For I say unto you,.... These words are directed, not to the true disciples of Christ in general, or to his apostles in particular, but to the whole multitude of the people; who had in great esteem and admiration the Scribes and Pharisees, for their seeming righteousness and holiness; concerning which Christ says, that except your righteousness exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven. He mentions the Scribes, because they were the more learned part of the people, who were employed in writing out, and expounding the law; and the Pharisees, because they were the strictest sect among the Jews for outward religion and righteousness; and yet, it seems, their righteousness was very defective; it lay only in an external observance of the law; did not arise from a purified heart, or the principles of grace; nor was it performed sincerely, and with a view to the glory of God; but for their own applause, and in order to obtain eternal life: besides, they neglected the weightier matters of the law, and contented themselves with the lesser ones; and as they were deficient in their practice, so they were very lax in their doctrines, as appears from the foregoing verse. Wherefore Christ informs his hearers, that they must have a better righteousness than these men had, if ever they expected to enter into the kingdom of heaven. There will be no admission into heaven without a righteousness: it was the loss of righteousness which removed Adam out of his earthly paradise; and it is not agreeable to the justice of God, to admit man into his heavenly paradise without one; yea, it is contrary to his nature, and would be destructive to the comfort of saints, to receive an unrighteous person into his kingdom and glory. A "pharisaical" righteousness will never bring a person thither; nor will any righteousness of man's, be it what it will, because the best is imperfect; it must be a righteousness exceeding that of the Scribes and Pharisees; and such is the righteousness of the saints: indeed their inherent righteousness, or the sanctification of the Spirit, is preferable to any righteousness of a natural man; it exceeds it in its author, nature, effects, and usefulness; yea, even works of righteousness done by believers are greatly preferable to any done by such men as are here mentioned: but, above all, the righteousness of Christ, which is imputed to them, and received by faith, is infinitely more excellent in its author, perfection, purity, and use; and which is their only right and title to eternal glory; and without which no man will be admitted into that glorious state.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:20 unless your righteousness is better: Jesus’ disciples must have the substantially new kind of righteousness that Jesus teaches and makes possible (illustrated in 5:21-47 and summed up in 5:48); it is both quantitatively and qualitatively distinct. Just as Jesus is greater than the Temple (12:6) and Jonah (12:41), so the righteousness of his followers far outstrips that of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees (see 3:7-9).