What consequences are mentioned for not honoring parents in Matthew 15:4? Setting the Stage Matthew 15:4 records Jesus quoting God’s command: “For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and, ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’” Immediate Consequence in the Verse • The specified penalty for cursing (reviling, dishonoring) one’s father or mother is capital punishment—“must be put to death.” • This is not a mere figure of speech; Jesus cites the literal language of the Mosaic Law (Exodus 21:17; Leviticus 20:9). Old Testament Foundations • Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16 – The Fifth Commandment stresses honor and promises long life for obedience. • Exodus 21:17 – “Whoever curses his father or mother must be put to death” (quoted directly by Jesus). • Leviticus 20:9 – Reinforces the same death penalty for cursing parents. These passages reveal God’s high view of parental authority and the family structure. Why Jesus Brings It Up • In Matthew 15, Jesus exposes the Pharisees for nullifying God’s command by their tradition of “Corban” (declaring possessions dedicated to God and thus unavailable for parental support). • By invoking the death penalty clause, He underscores how seriously God treats dishonor toward parents in contrast to the Pharisees’ loopholes. New Testament Echoes • Ephesians 6:2-3 – Paul reaffirms, “Honor your father and mother,” and reminds believers it is “the first commandment with a promise.” • 2 Timothy 3:2 – List of last-days sins includes being “disobedient to parents,” showing continued moral weight, even if civil penalties differ under the New Covenant. Key Takeaways for Today • God’s standard for honoring parents has never been relaxed; the death-penalty language highlights its seriousness. • Although modern governments do not enforce Mosaic capital punishment, the moral gravity remains before God. • Honoring parents safeguards family stability, models submission to rightful authority, and brings blessing (Ephesians 6:3). • Disregard or contempt for parents invites divine disfavor, a sober warning woven through both Testaments. |
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