How did Jesus address hypocrisy and religious legalism?

• A. He taught to follow both the letter and spirit of the law
• B. He rejected the law entirely
• C. He emphasized only the letter of the law
• D. He added more regulations

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that Jesus challenged hypocrisy by redefining righteousness as obedience that reflects both what the commandments say and why they exist—their intended purpose of loving God and neighbor. He upheld the law’s demands, but he rejected empty externalism that focuses on appearances while ignoring inner motives. In his teaching, outward rules are important, yet they must align with a transformed heart.

This shows up in how he from the Sermon on the Mount moves from “you have heard it said” to “but I say to you,” elevating intent alongside action. He points out that anger equates to murder and lust to adultery, and he urges practices like charity, prayer, and fasting to be done sincerely rather than for show. He also rebukes the Pharisees for meticulous tithing and ritual purity while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness, making clear that the law’s true aim is love in action.

So the best answer is that Jesus taught to follow both the letter and the spirit of the law—preserving the outward standard while pursuing the heart’s genuine obedience to God’s purposes. He did not reject the law, he did not advocate focusing only on the letter, and he did not advocate adding more rules.