There are often pronounced and significant differences between the external impressions of success, spiritual maturity, purity, and Godly living as compared to the inward condition of the heart. We see that in what Jesus had to say in condemnation of Pharisees written about in Matthew 23:25-26. The Pharisees were a Jewish religious order of strict piety and adherence to the Mosaic law. Upon the return of the Jews from the Babylonian captivity, they formed to promote, build, and follow Jewish legalism and nationalism. Their opposition to Rome, the Herods, and Jesus was rooted in fierce loyalty to each other, society, and strict views about ceremonial purity, traditions, and their perceived exclusivity to God’s word. 1
Introduction
So in the New Testament, it is natural that Jesus would have harsh words for the Pharisees.
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may become clean also.” – Matthew 23:25-26 NASB
Jesus had severe criticisms of the Pharisees during His time with us. He called out their lawlessness, hypocrisy, and self-indulgence because of the harm it was doing to others and themselves. Their practice of the law and expectations from others was merciless. Under false pretenses, they eventually went as far as accusing Jesus of drawing His power from Satan (Matthew 12:24). They also persistently sought to put Jesus to death.
In a separate conversation with His apostles and others, after confrontations with the Pharisees, He spoke these words:
“For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” – Matt. 5:20
To reveal what and how God thinks, Jesus informs His disciples, and those down through the ages, what it is to exceed the righteousness of religious leaders (Pharisees). To be more specific, according to Piper, “He gives six examples of how an external reading of the law must become driven inwardly until the demand of God penetrates the heart and lays claim on the heart’s deepest affections.” 2
The Cardinal Antitheses
The righteousness that exceeds that of the Pharisees includes these specifics. The six antitheses Piper outlines are as follows:
- From Murder to No Anger (Matt. 5:21-26)
- From No Adultery to No Lust (Matt. 5:28)
- From Divorce to Faithfulness (Matt. 5:32)
- From Oath-Keeping to Simple Honesty (Matt. 5:34-37)
- From Retaliation to Loving Contentment (Matt. 5:39-42)
- From Limited Love to Loving Our Enemies (Matt. 5:43-45)
From Murder to No Anger
“You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT MURDER’ (Ex 20:13; Deut 5:17) and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering. Make friends quickly with your opponent at law while you are with him on the way, so that your opponent may not hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. Truly I say to you, you will not come out of there until you have paid up the last cent. ” 3 – Matt. 5:21-26 NASB
As compared to expected recognition and entitlements among Pharisees, we shall not let anger set in and grow in our hearts even when others give us legitimate reasons otherwise. Even if you’re wronged, insulted, or when injustice comes against you or those you love. As anger can grow within to become something much worse, the root of it explains a sinful desire to harm others. Either in the ultimate form of violence or by words and evil yet subtle acts of opposition or omission.
From No Adultery to No Lust
“You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY’ (Ex 20:14; Deut 5:18)‘ “I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” 3 – Matt. 5:28 NASB
While Jesus affirms the Mosaic law by way of the commandment, “you shall not commit adultery,” He also calls attention to the thought life of every person who hears and understands what it means. That which leads to temptation can already be predicated upon sinful desires to act upon them. Jesus informs us that the intent of scripture points to a condition of the heart and thought life that should have our attention. Specifically, to guard our purity from illicit sexual desires and activity. The righteousness that exceeds that of the Pharisees requires us to fight and “overcome the heart’s bondage to our sexual desires.” 4
From Divorce to Faithfulness
“It was said, ‘WHOEVER SENDS HIS WIFE AWAY, LET HIM GIVE HER A CERTIFICATE OF DIVORCE’ (Deut 24:1-3; Jer 3:1; Matt 19:7; Mark 10:4); I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except for the reason of unchastity, makes her commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” 3 – Matt. 5:32 NASB
Even with the hardships that can come with marriage, as the covenant between a man and a woman, Jesus again gets to the root intent of what God has given in His law. If by leaving your spouse for another reason besides “fornication” (KJV), you’re causing your spouse to commit adultery, and the person who marries that divorced spouse commits adultery.
From Oath-Keeping to Simple Honesty
“Again, you have heard that the ancients were told, ‘YOU SHALL NOT MAKE FALSE VOWS, BUT SHALL FULFILL YOUR VOWS TO THE LORD.’ (Lev 19:12; Num 30:2; Deut 23:21,23); But I say to you, make no oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet, or by Jerusalem, for it is THE CITY OF THE GREAT KING. “Nor shall you make an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. “But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil.” 3 – Matt. 5:34-37 NASB
The absence of deception in the heart and mind helps with telling fewer intentional or off-the-cuff lies. Setting a commitment and practice of complete honesty makes a rash oath unnecessary.
From Retaliation to Loving Contentment
“You have heard that it was said, ‘AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.’ (Ex 21:24; Lev 24:20; Deut 19:21); But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.” 3 – Matt. 5:38-42 NASB
Getting back at someone out of spite doesn’t demonstrate an acceptance of what Jesus said about exacting retaliation on someone. If you have been wronged, you have an opportunity and choice to forgive the matter and let it go. To have the heart right about it speaks to where Jesus wants His followers — having settled within Godly contentment to behave at a higher standard by loving your enemies (Pr 25:21).
From Limited Love to Loving Our Enemies
“You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.’ (Lev 19:18; Deut 23:3-6); “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” 3 – Matt. 5:43-45
Just as God’s love extends to His enemies, we are to love those who are in enmity with us as well. His love is apparent in what blessings He provides through providence and nature. This is a common grace modeled for us as it is bestowed on all people. If we are to have or produce righteousness greater than the Pharisees, we must love our enemies.
Citations
1 The New International Dictionary of the Bible – Pictorial Edition. 1987. (Zondervan Publishing House), 778
2 John Piper, What Jesus Demands from the World. 2006. First Printing (Desiring God Foundation, Crossway), 201
3 New American Standard Bible: 1995 update. (1995). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
4 John Piper, What Jesus Demands from the World. 2006. First Printing (Desiring God Foundation, Crossway), 202
