What Jesus Really Meant About Righteousness in Matthew 5:20

Have you ever thought about how we’re supposed to live as Christians, even in the little things?

You know, not just in the big, life-altering moments, but in the day-to-day stuff that might seem small. It’s easy to focus on the big things—those moments when we feel like we’re really stepping up in our faith.

But what about the quiet moments, the choices we make when no one is looking?

As believers, we’re called to follow God in everything. Every word, every action, every thought. It can be tempting to think that God only cares about the “big” stuff, but the truth is, those small details of life matter just as much.

And it’s in the little things where our true character is revealed.

In Matthew 5:20, Jesus drops a pretty heavy truth bomb: “For I say to you that unless your righteousness far surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Now, let’s pause for a second. Think about what that really means.

The Pharisees and scribes were known for being sticklers to the law, right? They followed every religious rule down to the tiniest detail. So when Jesus says that our righteousness has to surpass theirs, it’s kind of shocking!

It’s easy to look at this and think Jesus is saying we need to “do more” or “be better.” But that’s not really the point. What Jesus is getting at here is a heart issue. He’s not talking about looking holy on the outside—He’s talking about being transformed on the inside.

Let’s break this down. The Pharisees were obsessed with appearances. They followed all the rules, but their hearts were far from God. They were more concerned with looking righteous than actually being righteous.

They loved to be seen as religious, but their actions were all about self-promotion, pride, and control.

Have you ever met someone who seemed to have it all together on the outside, but you could tell something wasn’t right on the inside? Maybe they were quick to judge or didn’t seem genuine in their faith. That’s the kind of hypocrisy Jesus is warning us about.

He doesn’t want us to be like that. He’s calling us to a deeper righteousness—a righteousness that starts in the heart and spills out into everything we do.

So how do we get there? How do we live in a way that truly pleases God?

First off, it’s not about perfection. We’re not going to nail it every time. But it is about intention. It’s about letting God work in us, change us, and grow us in ways that might not always feel comfortable. It’s about living a life that’s in step with Him, from the big moments to the tiny ones.

And that’s where obedience comes in. Obedience might not sound like the most exciting word, but it’s key to living a righteous life.

When we obey God, even when it’s hard or inconvenient, we’re saying, “Lord, I trust You more than I trust myself.” And that’s when transformation happens. Little by little, our hearts start to change. Our actions start to reflect more of who He is.

And that’s the kind of righteousness Jesus is talking about.

Here’s the thing: living like this is going to make you stand out. In a world where people are constantly trying to prove themselves, gain approval, or climb some social or corporate ladder, living a life of quiet, humble obedience to God is going to look different.

People may not understand it. They may not applaud it. In fact, you might face some criticism or pushback for it, just like Jesus did.

But here’s the good news. This kind of righteousness—the kind that comes from being transformed by God’s grace and walking in obedience—it leads to something so much greater than the world’s approval. It leads to real, lasting joy. It leads to a deeper relationship with God. And, ultimately, it leads to the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus isn’t saying, “Do more religious stuff.” He’s saying, “Let Me change your heart.” He’s saying, “Don’t settle for just looking good on the outside. Let’s work on the inside.”

And that’s a process. It’s a lifelong journey of letting God have His way in your life. But as you do, you’ll start to notice something. You’ll start to see that following Him, even in the small, moments, is where real joy and peace are found.

And here’s what’s even more amazing: As you grow in your relationship with God and live out this righteousness, you become a light to the world. People will notice something different about you—not because you’re perfect, but because you’re authentic. You’re living out a faith that’s real, a faith that’s rooted in something deeper than just appearances.

So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of “doing more” or “being better,” take a breath. That’s not what Jesus is asking of you. He’s inviting you into a relationship where He changes you from the inside out. And as you walk with Him, you’ll find that the small things matter just as much as the big ones.

Let Him lead you. Let Him guide you. And trust that as you do, you’re becoming more like Him every day—inside and out. And that, my friend, is what it means to live a life that truly pleases God.

Devotion on Matthew 5:17-18 found here.

For Deeper Insights on the Sermon on the Mount: If you’re searching for an accessible, powerful commentary, I highly recommend The Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 5-7 by James Montgomery Boice. This book breaks down Jesus’ teachings with clarity and depth, guiding readers to not only understand but also live out these transformative truths. Explore more about this exceptional commentary here.