I am a Jesus Pusher! “For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20). The Jews could not comprehend how anyone could be more righteous than the scribes and Pharisees. The typical Jewish home had a small patio at the back of its house. Along the edge of the deck, they would grow small herb plants. The fruit of these plants consisted of herbs the size of a pea. The scribes and Pharisees would slice off one-tenth of this small herb to properly tithe. How could anyone tithe more than the scribes and Pharisees? The scribes and Pharisees were in attendance and observed all Jewish feast days. How could anyone be more righteous than compliance to all Jewish feast days? The scribes and Pharisees religiously maintained the necessary sacrifices required by God. How could anyone make more sacrifices or attend more rituals?
The difference in approach between Jesus and the scribes and Pharisees is in focus. The scribes and Pharisees focused on the cosmetic aspect of religion, the external. Jesus always seemed concerned about the inner heart and nature of an individual. The oral traditions of the Pharisees regarded external activities. Although these applications came from the Scriptures, the Pharisees only saw the Scriptures as instructions and laws. Jesus embraced the Scriptures as an expression of the Father’s heart. The Kingdom of Heaven is a relationship of intimacy between a helpless person and the Father. Through the activity of the Father’s nature, on the platform of my helplessness, He fulfills the Scriptures in spirit and deed. I dwell in the Kingdom relationship. I am a Jesus Pusher!