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We see here that the above doctrine that Jesus had just espoused caused the Pharisees to "ridicule" Him. They heard all that Jesus had said and could not contradict Him, so they ridiculed Him. Their sin was covetousness, and the love of the world, like many who make a great profession of religion, have knowledge of the scriptures and abound in the exercise of it, they have hardened their hearts because of the love of worldly things.
For this, Jesus reproved them, not for their ridicule of Him, but for their hypocrisy. They flourished in the phrase of men. They justified their way of life because they were "highly esteemed by men". The people could not see beyond the show of their religion. They thought of them as being good men, their words were considered as God's words, their directions, as the Law, and their practices were to be imitated.
These people looked on the outside but Jesus says that they "stunk" on the inside. In the eyes of God, who knows the heart, they were an abomination. It is folly to justify ourselves before men that in the Day of Judgment, will have no authority to speak for us, but God who knows our hearts, will have plenty to judge us for. There are those who men despise and condemn, who are accepted and approved of God (II Cor. 10:18).
Then He turned from the Pharisees to the publicans and sinners, those who would be more likely to accept the Gospel than the covetous and conceited Pharisees. To them He said that the "Law and the Prophets" (the Dispensation of the Law) was indeed the Law until the coming of John, but since John appeared, the Kingdom of God was preached (the Dispensation of Grace). The eyes of the people are now opened by the Holy Spirit and every man that knows he had a soul to save and an eternity to provide for, seeks the Lord.
However, He concludes with an argument for the Law. Grace did not invalidate the Law. It became a moral issue and is confirmed and ratified and not one title of the Law shall fail. While the Law proclaimed the areas of obedience, Grace proclaims much more. Obedience to the Law was mandatory, Grace frees us from this and replaces it with a desire to obey the commandments of God. Grace does not demand perfection but allows for repentance and forgiveness.
Obedience to the Law brought on self-righteousness, Grace brings on humility, the desire to be righteous, and the knowledge that it is out of our reach accept in that righteousness that is "imputed" to us by faith in Jesus Christ.
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