The scribe was near to the kingdom of God, in that he recognized deeds of righteousness as more acceptable to God than burnt offerings and sacrifices. But he needed to recognize the divine character of Christ, and through faith in Him receive power to do the works of righteousness. The ritual service was of no value, unless connected with Christ by living faith. Even the moral law fails of its purpose, unless it is understood in its relation to the Saviour. Christ had repeatedly shown that His Father's law contained something deeper than mere authoritative commands. In the law is embodied the same principle that is revealed in the gospel. The law points out man's duty and shows him his guilt. To Christ he must look for pardon and for power to do what the law enjoins.

Den skriftkloge var nær ved Guds rige, fordi han erkendte, at retfærdige gerninger er Gud mere velbehagelige end brændofre og slagtofre. Der stod endnu tilbage, at han erkendte Kristi sande væsen og ved tro på ham modtog kraft til at udføre retfærdighedens gerninger. Den rituelle tjeneste var uden værdi, hvis den ikke havde forbindelse med Kristus ved en levende tro. Selv moral loven opnår ikke sit formål, hvis man ikke forstår dens forbindelse med Frelseren. Kristus havde atter og atter vist, at hans Faders lov indeholdt noget, der var dybere end kun bydende befalinger. I loven indbefattes den samme grundtanke, som åbenbares i evangeliet. Loven fremhæver menneskets pligt og viser det dets synd. Det må vende sig til Kristus for at få tilgivelse og kraft til at gøre, hvad loven pålægger det.