How does Jesus expand on Exodus 20:13 in Matthew 5:21-22? Setting the Foundation Exodus 20:13—“You shall not murder.” Matthew 5:21-22—“You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘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,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.” The Heart Behind the Command • Murder is the visible act; anger and contempt are the invisible roots. • Jesus moves the conversation from courtroom verdicts to heart motives, showing that sin begins long before blood is shed (cf. 1 John 3:15). • By addressing anger, He exposes the hidden attitudes that violate the spirit of God’s law. Three Escalating Stages Jesus Highlights 1. Inner Anger – “Anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.” – Even unspoken resentment invites the same divine scrutiny that the Old Testament reserves for murderers (Proverbs 6:16-19). 2. Contemptuous Words (“Raca”) – A first-century insult meaning “empty-headed.” – Contempt devalues an image-bearer, leading to accountability “before the Sanhedrin,” Israel’s highest earthly court. 3. Character Assassination (“You fool!”) – A deliberate tearing down of someone’s moral worth. – Jesus warns of “the fire of hell,” revealing that persistent contempt carries eternal consequences. Why This Expansion Matters • It Protects Community Life – Cain’s anger preceded Abel’s murder (Genesis 4:6-8). Addressing anger early preserves fellowship. • It Unmasks Self-Righteousness – External compliance is not enough. Kingdom righteousness penetrates the motives (Matthew 5:20). • It Affirms the Value of Every Person – Insults attack God’s image in others (James 3:9-10). • It Calls for Immediate Reconciliation – Jesus continues in Matthew 5:23-24, urging worshipers to seek peace before offering gifts. Harmony with people affects worship of God. Living Out Jesus’ Standard • Guard the Thought Life – “Take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). • Address Anger Quickly – “Do not let the sun set upon your anger, and do not give the devil a foothold” (Ephesians 4:26-27). • Speak Life-Giving Words – “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up” (Ephesians 4:29). • Seek Reconciliation, Not Retaliation – “If possible, as far as it depends on you, live in peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18). |
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