Beyond the Rules – Jesus Redefines Righteousness (Matthew 5:17–30)
When most people think of religion, they often think of rules—do this, don’t do that. But in His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus showed that following God is about much more than checking boxes. In Matthew 5:17–30, He teaches that God cares not just about what we do on the outside, but about what’s going on inside our hearts.
Let’s take a look at what Jesus said and what it means for us today.
Jesus Didn’t Come to Cancel the Rules
Jesus started by making something very clear: He didn’t come to throw out God’s commands. He came to fulfill them—to live them out perfectly and show what they really mean.
He said that not even the smallest part of God’s law will disappear until everything God wants is done. In fact, He called His followers to live in a way that went even deeper than the religious leaders of the time. That may sound impossible—but Jesus wasn’t calling for more rules. He was calling for real change in our hearts.
It’s Not Just About Murder—It’s About Anger
We all agree that murder is wrong. But Jesus went further. He said that even being angry with someone, or calling them a fool, is serious in God’s eyes.
Why? Because God doesn’t just look at what we do—He sees what’s going on inside. Hurtful words, bitterness, and grudges may not seem like a big deal to us, but they can damage our relationships and hearts.
Jesus also said that before we bring our gifts to God—like prayer, worship, or anything else—we should make things right with others. If someone has something against us, we should go and work things out. Peace matters to God.
It’s Not Just About Adultery—It’s About the Heart
Next, Jesus talked about another important issue: purity. He reminded the crowd that adultery—being unfaithful in marriage—is wrong. But again, He took it deeper. Even looking at someone with lustful thoughts, He said, is like committing adultery in the heart.
That might sound extreme, but Jesus was showing how serious sin is—even the kind that no one else sees. He used strong images to make the point: if something causes you to sin, get rid of it. Of course, He didn’t mean to literally hurt yourself. He was saying we should be willing to make hard choices to protect our hearts and stay close to God.
What Does This Mean for Us?
This part of the Sermon on the Mount is challenging—but also freeing. Jesus isn’t asking us to become perfect overnight. He’s inviting us to go deeper, to let Him shape us from the inside out.
Here are a few ways we can respond:
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Check your heart, not just your actions. Are there places where you’re holding onto anger or resentment? Ask God for help to forgive and seek peace.
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Take steps toward purity. What are you watching, listening to, or thinking about? Are those things helping you grow closer to God or pulling you away?
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Take sin seriously—but don’t face it alone. Jesus wants to help us. He offers forgiveness and strength to change.
Final Thoughts
Jesus showed that real righteousness—real goodness—goes beyond rules. It’s not just about what people see. It’s about who we’re becoming on the inside.
His message is clear: God wants more than good behavior. He wants our hearts. And when we follow Jesus from the inside out, that’s when real life change begins.
So today, take a moment to ask yourself:
Is my faith just on the surface, or is it shaping my heart?
Matthew 5:17-30 (WEB)
5:17 “Don’t think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn’t come to destroy, but to fulfill. 18 For most certainly, I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not even one smallest letter or one tiny pen stroke shall in any way pass away from the law, until all things are accomplished. 19 Therefore, whoever shall break one of these least commandments and teach others to do so, shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but whoever shall do and teach them shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.21 “You have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, ‘You shall not murder;’ and ‘Whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause will be in danger of the judgment. Whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ will be in danger of the council. Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of Gehenna.23 “If therefore you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Agree with your adversary quickly while you are with him on the way; lest perhaps the prosecutor deliver you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and you be cast into prison. 26 Most certainly I tell you, you shall by no means get out of there until you have paid the last penny.27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery;’ 28 but I tell you that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna. 30 If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off, and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish, than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna.