The Pharisees and teachers of the law were considered to be public examples of godly living in the time when Jesus ministered on earth. They were generally well respected by old covenant believers because of their desire to live in accordance with God’s will and their public pursuit of righteousness (see Matthew 3:15). By stating that the righteousness of his disciples must surpass that of the Pharisees and teachers of the law, Jesus is exhorting his disciples to a higher standard, 1 the pursuit of perfection (see Matthew 5:48). Not only an outward public obedience, but obedience from the heart. 2
20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.