Exceeding Righteousness: Marriage & Covenant

Continuing in the Kingdom Citizens series from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, this week Pastor Adam teaches that Jesus’ call to a righteousness that “exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees” is grounded in covenant faithfulness, not rule-keeping, and this is especially evident in marriage. While some have thought Jesus' teaching on marriage cold or heartless, they miss the fact that He is speaking to the religious leaders, who had an ongoing debate over when divorce was permissible, seeing marriage only as a legal matter. When confronted with anyone suffering, Jesus always responded with kindness and compassion, never any attempt to use the law to harm or exclude people (i.e. John 4:1-26; 8:3-11). Jesus reframes marriage as a sacred covenant reflecting God’s own covenant loyalty, rather than a contract based on convenience or legal permission. Divorce, in this context, is not merely a legal matter but a rupture of covenant that causes real harm, particularly to the vulnerable. Jesus’ teaching addresses the heart—calling all disciples to integrity, faithfulness, and responsibility. Marriage in Jesus' mind, is a lived expression of kingdom righteousness, where love, sacrifice, and commitment mirror God’s steadfast love for His people. Ultimately, exceeding righteousness flows from transformed hearts shaped by God’s covenant grace.