Christ’s Righteousness (Matthew 5:17-48)

Disciples of Jesus can look to Jesus as the perfect, righteous example to follow. For example, disciples are not to hold anger against each other. Like murder, anger is sin. It’s important for disciples to reconcile with each other in this matter. Similarly, disciples are not to follow in the unrighteous ways of the world. Instead, disciples are to follow in the righteous ways of Jesus. If someone wrongs you, your natural (worldly) response would be to wrong them back. But that’s not what Jesus wants for His disciples. Jesus instructs His disciples to live righteously by doing the opposite (to the world) by not retaliating, not fighting back, even offering the other cheek, and loving (not hating) your enemies.