Jesus calls his followers to a higher standard of righteousness that exceeds even the Pharisees, but this isn't about trying harder or following more rules. When Jesus said he came to fulfill the law, he meant he completed everything it pointed toward through his life, death, and resurrection. Our righteousness doesn't come from keeping rules but from Christ himself as a gift received through faith. This higher standard focuses on heart transformation rather than external performance. The key to living this way isn't human effort but walking in the Spirit, who produces godly character from within. True discipleship means wholehearted commitment to Jesus rather than seeking the bare minimum while trying to get as close to sin as possible.