THE HEART OF THE COMMANDMENTS
Our righteousness which is imputed on us in Christ must surpass our outward appearance and piety.
Jesus came to introduce to His followers a righteousness that was no more occasioned by human effort but by grace in His finished work.
For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:20 (KJV)
The Pharisees were rebuked by Jesus with criticism in several of his teachings because of the following;
1. 🧱 Burdening People with Rules: Jesus condemned the Pharisees for placing heavy religious burdens on others without offering help. They created complex, rigid interpretations of the law that made it hard for ordinary people to follow God (Matthew 23:4).
2. 🎠Hypocrisy: – They preached righteousness but didn’t practice it themselves. Jesus said they were like “whitewashed tombs”—beautiful on the outside but full of decay on the inside (Matthew 23:27).
3. 👀 Seeking Public Praise: The Pharisees performed religious acts to be seen and admired. They loved titles, prominent seats, and public recognition rather than genuine devotion to God. (Matthew 23:5–7).
4. 🚪 Blocking Access to God: Jesus accused them of shutting the door to the kingdom of heaven. Not only did they fail to enter themselves, but they also discouraged others from access and entry. (Matthew 23:13).
5. đź’° Misplaced Priorities: They focused on minor religious details while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Jesus rebuked them for tithing herbs but ignoring the weightier matters of the law (Matthew 23:23).
If we will love above the law and have a righteousness that surpasses the Pharisees, we must ensure these five points above do NOT describe us.
The heart behind the commandments is love. Whether the ten commandments written by God’s hand on the mountain, the levitical laws of Moses or the laws of nature itself, they all bow at the heart – which is love.
Paul rightly penned that against love there is no law.
Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. Romans 13:10 (KJV)
Let’s focus on the heart of the law, not like the Pharisees but with love for God and people.
The Master warned that we must be careful of the Pharisees’ yeast. Acting like them can deny us the favour and crown from the Master.
In biblical literature, yeast often symbolizes influence—especially one that spreads subtly and pervasively.
Pharisees’ yeast refers to their hypocrisy, legalism, and self-righteousness. They emphasized outward religious performance while neglecting inner transformation and justice.
Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. Matthew 16:6 (KJV)
Reflection:
– Am I more focused on appearances than on the heart?
– How can I align my motives with God’s heart?
– What does true righteousness look like in my relationships with God, family and people in general?
Prayer:
Dear Father, help me to pursue your heart of love. Make my heart a picture of You. Keep me from the yeast of the Pharisees that my righteousness will be that which is pure and true that flows from You.
“Yeast is one of the smallest ingredients, yet it affects the whole dough. So too does hypocrisy, if left unchecked, infect the heart of faith.” – BibleHub
Shalom!