Reflect on the passage of Scripture below and then watch a few related resources. As you reflect, consider this question: What does righteousness mean to Jesus?
By the time Jesus began teaching, countless rabbis had already offered their interpretations of the Torah. But Jesus has his own interpretation, speaking with shocking personal authority.
Matthew 5:17-48
Righteousness and the Torah
How could following each of Jesus' instructions that start with 'I say to you...' help us become whole or complete?
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“The purpose of the Torah is to teach people God’s wisdom so they can become mature, whole people who spread God’s blessing to the world.”
Chapter from Sermon on the Mount E2
How Jesus Interprets the Torah
“Jesus is speaking into live issues happening in his time. But what's unique is he just says it on his own authority. And he wasn't trained in Jerusalem. He isn't part of the rabbi's guild. He's not a priest. He's just a guy cruising around Galilee from Nazareth, putting his own interpretation of Torah alongside the words of God.”
Righteousness means living in right relationship with God and with others. The Israelites were taught to live this way from the laws given to them by God. These Old Testament laws are ancient, but Jesus believes they still reflect God’s wisdom. By studying them, we can grow in character and become what Jesus calls “complete.”