Peer Pressure from the Pharisees

Studies show that peer pressure from those who are only slightly superior can be a good thing. But if the pressure is coming from those way out in front, that's not so good.

When it comes to righteousness, the Pharisees are tough to beat.

Jesus knows that these Jewish leaders are passionate about the law of God. Supportive of synagogues and schools. Attentive to purity rules and regulations. Focused on the resurrection, with a powerful hunger for heavenly rewards.

The Pharisees are the spiritual superstars of their day, exerting an enormous amount of peer pressure on the people around them. "I tell you," says Jesus, "unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" (v. 20).

Jesus says that our righteousness has to exceed that of the Pharisees. Not just match it, but surpass it.

How are we supposed to respond to this?


Peer pressure can help or hurt

Peer pressure is a powerful force in our lives, and it can both help us and hurt us. David Greene, the host of NPR's "Morning Edition," explains that peer pressure can help us by inspiring us to do the right thing. Sit next to a good student in class,...