Sermon on the Mount Murder and Anger

Matthew 5:21-26

You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, Do not murder, and anyone who
murders will be subject to judgment. But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother
will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, Raca, is answerable to
the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, You fool! will be in danger of the fire of hell. (21-22)
Jesus fulfills the Law by living in obedience to it, but also fulfills it by reinterpreting Gods
commands so that the listener understands the principle behind the prohibition
Every thou shalt not has a positive principle behind it, and Jesus gives us six examples
The first of the six is the commandment against murder, and the truth behind the command
is that life is created by God, that no one has the right to take it from another, and because
the Creator values the life He has given, then so should we
Jesus quotes the sixth commandment found in Exodus 20:13 (and Deuteronomy 5:17):
You have heard it said. . . do not murder and follows this by saying, but I tell you
He then explains the true meaning of Gods command , not altering it but correcting the
interpretations of what they had heard which emphasized only the letter of the law
The listeners would assume that Gods judgment would fall upon the murderer, but Jesus
teaches that we are subject to judgment for a hateful and angry attitude of the heart
The point is not that anger is as bad as murder, but that horrible actions are preceded by
sinful attitudes of the heart (above all, guard your heart, the wellspring of life Prov 4:23)
An earthly father would be rightly concerned about a childs anger, and only a foolish parent
would ignore an attitude of uncontrollable rage until it became assault or murder
Jesus provides a progression of a hateful attitude: it begins with unrestrained anger (anyone
who is angry with his brother), then moves to devaluing the object of their anger (anyone
who says to his brother Raca meaning empty-headed one), and then further devalues
his brother by saying You fool! insinuating worthlessness)
Jesus teaches that the Law of God includes attitudes as well as actions remember Saul of
Tarsus before his conversion kept the law (Phil 3:6), as did the rich young ruler (Mat 19:20)

Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has
something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to
your brother; then come and offer your gift. Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is
taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to
the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.
I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny. (23-26)
If we are aware that a conflict exist, it is inappropriate to give a gift at the altar such
action is hypocritical and accomplishes nothing for the kingdom we are to go and be
reconciled before giving anything, for God values relationships above material things
Jesus teaches us to do everything we can to resolve conflict urgently and immediately (just as
Paul teaches, if possible as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone Rom 12:18)
This decisive, swift and drastic action for reconciliation taught by Jesus is in context with the
commandment against murder, for being a peacemaker serves to guard the heart from hatred