Written by Katie on July 5, 2017

Righteousness Defined by Yeshua (Gospel of Jesus Christ series)

We took a look at the blessings that Yeshua proclaimed to His disciples as he began this beautiful teaching on a hill side.

Bible study tip:

This was a sermon that Yeshua gave all at one time. If you have the time read it each and every day from start to finish before diving in with me at whatever point we are studying out. When we read it as a whole it makes more sense. Also, remember Yeshua is talking to His people the Jews. He is speaking to them in terms that they can relate to and understand. They, the common Jew, have grown up hearing the Torah scrolls being read. They also live in the same community as Yeshua so they understand the images He is using as He teaches.

Let’s pick up where we left of yesterday, and let’s see if we can find out how Yeshua defines righteousness.

Matthew 5:13-20

¹³“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.

¹⁴“You are the light of the world. A city set on hill cannot be hidden;¹⁵nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. ¹⁶Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

¹⁷“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. ¹⁸For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. ¹⁹Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

²⁰“For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Yeshua is talking to His disciples and He just told them how to be blessed and how to be a blessing to others. He continues with His teaching by telling them that they are the salt of the earth and a light.

But what makes them salt and light?

To find the answer to this question is easy, read the verses before and after them. Just before the salt and light verses we have verses about being persecuted for the sake of righteousness, just like the prophets of old. And following these verses we see the definition of righteousness given by Yeshua, Himself.

He makes it clear that righteousness is found in the understanding and obedience of the Law. He says, He, Himself, has come to complete the law, to bring it to completion.

Wow, the Law shows use how we can be righteous. And it will not pass away.

He adds a warning in verse 19.

This is so very important. We are not to add to or take away from the Law of Yehovah. If we do, and if we teach others to we will be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Oh, I pray that I do not lead others down the wrong path. I pray I only walk in His Truths and never lead others on the wrong path.