In second half of Matthew chapter 5, starting in verse 13, Jesus quickly touches on many moral principals. First though, he gives a command in verses 15-16 to
… let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
This is a sort of “missional living” command, telling us to be different from the world in order that people may see and be drawn in to glorifying God.
It seems that Jesus’ enemies were accusing him of trying to do away with the law, but he says that he is not here to abolish the law, but to fulfill it. Jesus is what the law (Old Testament) points to and prophesied about. In fact, Jesus will go through some points of the law and show that his standard of keeping the law are even higher than the culture’s standard (including the Pharisees). These laws he points to include murder, adultery, divorce, oaths, revenge, and showing love to your enemies. Every step of the way, Jesus challenges the legalistic mindset of the culture, making us look at the heart issue behind the laws. In doing so, Jesus makes it clear that no one on earth has kept the law of God. The following are a couple of examples.
Verse 20-22:
For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainty not enter the kingdom of heaven.
You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.
Jesus follows the same pattern in the rest of the chapter saying that if we even look lustfully at someone, we have committed adultery in our heart (verses 27-28); just because there is a legal process for getting divorced, it does not make it right in God’s sight (verses 31-32); if we tell even the smallest lie, even if it’s not bound by an oath, we are following the evil one (verses 33-37); we’re not to seek revenge on those that wrong us, but continue in a humble manner, even love the person who does you wrong (verses38-47).
Concluding the chapter is a single summary sentence (verse 48) that further shows us how hopeless we are in earning our salvation.
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Jesus clearly teaches that we can not earn our way to heaven by our good works. In fact most of the Bible is written on that basic and obvious principle. It’s pretty much a given that humans are not perfect as God is perfect. Instead, the main teachings of the Bible carefully explain how evil man can be sinners, but still one day stand in the presence of God. Thank God for his mercy and gift of Jesus Christ, who takes away our sins.