While we know the familiar stories and events in the gospels, we need to stop and hear Jesus speak because his voice continues to confront and comfort. Testing Jesus with their hard hearts in Matthew 19:1-12, the Pharisees in reality receive the voice of a prophet who is more interested in bringing them (and us) to see the better way of God’s Kingdom. Like the Pharisees, we negotiate with God’s Law, using the currency of our self-righteousness. Jesus crucially demands and mercifully provides a better righteousness found in him alone.
