Jesus presented the Ten Commandments to the people according to the intent of the heart of God. Jesus analysed the commandments saying, “Do not think that I come to destroy the law and the prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfil.” (Matthew 5: 7-48). What he taught the people from the commandments was more biblical than the Pharisaic view.
For example, the law said thou shall not murder, but he interpreted it that “whosoever is angry with is brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgement” (Matthew 5:21-22). This is to say that anger was considered by religious men as a common thing because it was not spelt out in words by the commandments. Anger has a great role before the crime of murder is committed and the Pharisees, as all men, are guilty of this.
For this reason he further stated that “unless your righteousness exceeds that of a scribe and Pharisee you will by no means enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5: 20). Jesus stated further that the scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses seat. Therefore what ever they tell you to observe that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say and do not do. (Matthew 23:2-3)
The contrast between the religious view and the truth as presented by Jesus shows that righteousness is not a product of good works but good works are a product of righteousness. Obeying the commandment will flow from within. In other words we do not obey the commandment to be righteous, but righteousness through Christ produces obedience, for righteousness is a gift by faith and not by works. (Ephesians 2:8-9). “Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1) For this reason everyday is a holy day not only on the Sabbath day and so we continually obey God’s commandments.
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