Matthew Chapter 5 verse 19 - does it mean keeping laws from the Old Covenant?

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Matthew chapter 5 in verse 19 we read of Jesus's words. 

19 “Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven”

In context of this verse, Jesus states in verse 20 :

20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven

Pharisees were extremely strict in their interpretation and keeping of the law, enforced and extending to all kinds of rules - concerning Sabbath and other laws; food matters; wearing religious phylacteries and the like.

Jesus says our righteousness must exceed that of the Pharisees.

Was Jesus referring to a need to strictly abide by rules as did Pharisees?

Is he demanding believers must keep the ten commandments of Exodus ch 20, the annual festivals of Leviticus chapter 23. Some may even extend it to all of the 613 Torah laws.

How best to understand His words. I have sought to understand in a Post here, which takes you to my comments on Quora. 

Hello. My name is Bill. I live in Canberra, Australia. I retired from work some 5 years ago, I believe in Jesus as our Lord and Saviour by whom we are justified and sanctified by the miraculous workings of God. I don't attend a particular church but may go from time to time. I like to study the scriptures and I read quite widely generally. I had an experience over four decades ago with a church founded by Armstrong which claimed to be the one true church of this time. My wife (who passed away five years ago) and I left it a long time ago and one is grateful such bonds were broken.

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