If anything, the religious rulers of Jesus’ day were Antinomians, not Legalists. They did not “stretch” the Law of God, they “shrunk” it.

Immediately after his baptism, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. This was to demonstrate that Christ is the True Israel of God (Israel wandered faithlessly in the wilderness for 40 years with constant provision/Jesus wandered faithfully in the wilderness for 40 days without any provision).
Pastor Michael Belch teaches from Matthew 9:35-38.
We should not judge too quickly or without reason, especially when our judgment is based on jealousy or personal bias. We should also avoid assuming the worst or interpreting others’ words and actions in the least charitable light. Instead, our judgments must be made with mercy, and without any desire to do harm. Further, we must not judge someone’s character …
Christ declares that from the days of John the Baptist until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. This does not mean that men can wrestle the Kingdom from God’s hands, but rather that true conversion always involves earnestness, spiritual struggle, and holy zeal. Salvation is not gained by sloth, but by …
Immediately after his baptism, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. This was to demonstrate that Christ is the True Israel of God (Israel wandered faithlessly in the wilderness for 40 years with constant provision/Jesus wandered faithfully in the wilderness for 40 days without any provision).