Matthew 5:20 — Righteousness exceeding the scribes and Pharisees

Mike argues that the scribes and Pharisees were genuinely striving for righteousness by the law — they were not entirely wrong, but prioritized added human commands over God's commands. Jesus was saying even their exemplary striving still falls short. The righteousness believers must exceed is Jesus's own righteousness imputed to us through his sacrifice — we exceed their righteousness not by our own works but through Christ's work.