Episode 424: Prepared for the Kingdom

Jesus sat before the people and uttered what must have been to them shocking words: Unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 5:20). Few were more scrupulous in the observance of the letter of the law than were the Pharisees. Nevertheless, they failed because their behavior was intended to impress men more than to please God. Jesus warns us not to do likewise (Matt. 6:1).

How, then, can we be righteous before God? The parable of the marriage feast gives us the clue in finding the source of true righteousness. We explore this parable in Matthew 22:1-13. Additional scriptures referenced include Matthew 21:23; John 8:56; Isaiah 61:10; Genesis 3:7; Isaiah 64:6; Revelation 19:8-9; and Ephesians 5:27.