How does Jesus expand on this commandment in Matthew 5:21-22? Setting the Scene: The Sixth Commandment • Exodus 20:13: “You shall not murder.” • Deuteronomy 5:17 restates the same. • In Jesus’ day, the rabbis rightly condemned the physical act of murder, but many limited the command to that outward deed alone. Jesus Raises the Bar “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. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.” What Makes Jesus’ Teaching Radical? • From hands to heart: Murder begins long before blood is shed; it starts in the hidden place of anger. • Three escalating warnings: – “Angry with his brother” → “subject to judgment.” – Calling someone “Raca” (an Aramaic insult meaning “empty-headed”) → “subject to the Sanhedrin.” – Saying “You fool!” → “subject to the fire of hell.” • The point: even contemptuous words reveal a murderous spirit. Scripture Echoes • 1 Samuel 16:7 — “…the LORD looks at the heart.” • Proverbs 4:23 — “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.” • James 1:19-20 — “…slow to anger, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.” • 1 John 3:15 — “Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that eternal life does not reside in a murderer.” God’s Image and Human Worth • Genesis 1:27 — Every person bears the divine image; to harbor hatred is to despise God’s workmanship. • James 3:9-10 — “With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness… this should not be!” Practical Pathways to Obedience Today • Deal with anger quickly (Ephesians 4:26-27). • Choose reconciling words over cutting remarks (Proverbs 15:1). • Seek forgiveness and make restitution when offense is given (Matthew 5:23-24). • Cultivate love through prayer for those who irritate you (Matthew 5:44). • Remember the gospel: Christ’s shed blood not only forgives murderers but also cleanses murderous hearts (Hebrews 9:14). Living Out Jesus’ Expansion When the heart is ruled by Christ’s love, hands never move to violence, tongues refuse contempt, and communities flourish in the life-giving harmony God intended when He first said, “You shall not murder.” |
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