In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus doesn’t just teach about morality—He calls His followers into a new way of living. At the core of His message is one powerful, repeated theme: righteousness.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
(Matthew 5:6)“Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees… you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
(Matthew 5:20)
But what exactly is righteousness in the teachings of Jesus? How is it different from religious rule-keeping? And why is it so central to the life of a disciple?
In this article, we’ll explore the power of righteousness as Jesus taught it—its meaning, its depth, and how it transforms both individuals and communities.
What Does “Righteousness” Mean?
In the biblical sense, righteousness isn’t just about doing the right thing. It’s about right relationship—with God, with others, and even with yourself.
The Greek word used, dikaiosynē, carries the idea of justice, moral integrity, faithfulness, and covenant loyalty.
To be righteous is to:
- Live in alignment with God’s will
- Reflect His character through actions and attitudes
- Treat others with fairness, mercy, and truth
- Walk in humility and obedience before God
So, righteousness is not about perfection—it’s about living in a way that pleases God and reflects His heart.
Righteousness Is Something We Hunger For
Jesus doesn’t say, “Blessed are the righteous”—He says:
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness…”
That’s a big difference.
He’s describing a deep, inner longing—a spiritual appetite. Just like hunger and thirst drive our physical survival, Jesus is saying that righteousness should be a spiritual craving.
This means:
- We’re not content with surface-level goodness
- We want God’s will to be done—in us and around us
- We care about justice, truth, and holiness
And the promise? “They will be filled.” God doesn’t ignore that hunger. He satisfies it—with His presence, His guidance, and His transformation.
Righteousness That Surpasses the Pharisees
In Matthew 5:20, Jesus makes a shocking statement:
“Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees… you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
To His listeners, this would’ve been hard to hear. The Pharisees were considered experts in righteousness. They followed every religious law to the letter.
So what did Jesus mean?
He was pointing out that the Pharisees focused on external behavior, but often neglected the heart.
They followed rules but lacked love.
They taught holiness but harbored pride.
They performed religion but missed relationship.
Jesus isn’t calling us to do more than the Pharisees—He’s calling us to go deeper.
True righteousness isn’t about appearance—it’s about authenticity.
The Heart-Level Righteousness of the Sermon on the Mount
Throughout Matthew 5, Jesus reinterprets familiar commandments—not to lower the standard, but to raise it to the level of the heart:
- “You’ve heard, ‘Do not murder’… But I tell you, don’t stay angry.”
- “You’ve heard, ‘Do not commit adultery’… But I tell you, don’t even lust.”
- “You’ve heard, ‘Love your neighbor’… But I tell you, love your enemies.”
This kind of righteousness:
- Is not based on comparison
- Doesn’t seek applause
- Isn’t motivated by guilt
- Flows from love for God and others
It’s relational, not just legal.
The Power of Righteousness in Everyday Life
So how does this apply to us today? Righteousness still has the power to:
1. Change Our Character
When we pursue righteousness, we become:
- More compassionate
- More honest
- More self-controlled
- More patient
Righteousness refines our hearts from the inside out.
2. Heal Relationships
Righteousness leads to:
- Forgiveness instead of grudges
- Listening instead of judging
- Reconciliation instead of division
It makes us safe people to be around—people who bring peace and integrity into every interaction.
3. Impact Society
Righteous individuals create just communities. They fight for the vulnerable, tell the truth, reject corruption, and build trust.
As Jesus said: “You are the light of the world.”
Righteousness isn’t just personal—it’s public.
How to Pursue Righteousness Today
You don’t have to be perfect. But you do need to be hungry.
Here’s how you can cultivate that hunger:
• Pray honestly
Ask God to give you a heart that longs for what is right.
• Spend time in Scripture
The Word of God reveals His righteousness and aligns your values with His.
• Stay humble
Don’t compare yourself to others—keep your eyes on Jesus.
• Confess and grow
When you fall short, confess quickly. Let God teach and shape you.
• Seek justice
Stand up for what is right—not to gain recognition, but because it honors God.
Righteousness Is Not Earned—It’s Received
One of the most important truths in the Gospel is this:
We are made righteous not by our works, but by faith in Christ.
As Paul writes:
“This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.”
(Romans 3:22)
When we put our trust in Jesus, God clothes us in His righteousness. And then, by His Spirit, He teaches us to walk it out daily.
Final Thoughts: The Gift and the Goal
Righteousness is both a gift and a goal.
It is given freely through grace.
And it is pursued daily through love.
It is received by faith.
And it is lived through obedience.
Jesus invites us into a life where righteousness isn’t a burden—but a blessing.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
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