God’s intentions for us seem impossible, so we resist them. But the plan is sprinkled throughout the entire Bible. God promised to transform out hearts (Jeremiah 31:31-34). He intends to do this so that we regularly and naturally walk in his ways.  This is what salvation effects. 

Jesus’ plan is to save us into the truly abundant life that he has.

The four verses from the Sermon on the Mount will be illustrated multiple times in all that follows.  

Jesus’ ministry was so different from the Pharisees that people wondered if he was replacing the Law and Prophets (that’s the whole Old Testament). He adamantly rejected that, insisting that not one tiny bit would pass away. Instead, he fulfilled the law for us so he can also cause us to walk in its ways. He obeyed it perfectly and suffered the punishment we deserve for breaking it.

The entire Old Testament points to Jesus in some way and is fulfilled in his person, his life, death, resurrection and ongoing heavenly reign. The really shocking part of this section is in verse 20. “Your righteousness must exceed that of the Scribes and Pharisees…”  

Their righteousness was merely external holiness and it was a kind of self-righteous arrogance. Jesus challenged this and told them to clean the inside not just the outside. Jesus constantly exposes people’s hearts. “The Lord looks on the heart” we learn in 1 Samuel 16:7. 

Taking It Home: Regularly expose your heart to Jesus through self-examination, spiritual disciplines, and honest confession so God can remake your heart. Disciplines will not change you, but they will place you before God so he can work the transformation within you. Grace is not opposed to effort. The Lord promises to be with you.