The Law functions as a tutor to lead people to Christ—Sermon on the Mount sets up the gospel

The Sermon on the Mount reveals a standard of holiness that no human can achieve. This is intentional: the Law, at its undiluted standard, exposes human sinfulness and creates the need for a Savior. Watered-down versions of holiness create self-righteousness; the full standard creates the gospel moment. This is the Pauline concept of the Law as paidagogos (tutor/guardian) leading to Christ.