What is the meaning of Matthew 5:24? Leave your gift there before the altar - Jesus pictures a worshiper standing in the temple ready to present an offering, perhaps a costly animal or a thank-offering (Leviticus 1:3; Deuteronomy 16:16-17). - By saying, “leave your gift,” He shows that God values obedience and relational purity above ritual performance. Psalm 51:16-17 reminds us, “You do not delight in sacrifice… The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit.” Likewise, 1 Samuel 15:22 asks, “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings… as much as in obeying the LORD?” - The altar setting highlights the seriousness: even at the holiest moment, the worshiper must pause if his heart is not right. Mark 12:33 echoes, “To love your neighbor… is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” First go and be reconciled to your brother - “First” sets an unmistakable priority order. Worship that pleases God flows out of reconciled relationships (Matthew 5:9; Hebrews 12:14). - “Be reconciled” is active: don’t wait for the other person. Romans 12:18 urges, “If it is possible… live at peace with everyone.” - Jesus calls the offended party to initiate (Matthew 18:15), reflecting His own initiative in reconciling us to God (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). - Practical steps: • Humble acknowledgment of wrong (James 5:16). • Genuine repentance or forgiveness extended (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13). • Restoration of fellowship where possible (1 John 4:20-21). Then come and offer your gift - Only after making things right does the worshiper resume the sacrifice. God desires integrity—actions matching heart condition (Isaiah 1:16-18; Proverbs 21:3). - Reconciled worship is acceptable and fragrant to Him (Philippians 4:18). Malachi 1:10 warns against empty offerings; Jesus provides the remedy: resolve conflicts, then worship. - Ongoing application: • Husbands and wives honor one another “so that your prayers will not be hindered” (1 Peter 3:7). • Church members settle grievances quickly to preserve unity (Ephesians 4:3). • Personal devotions are enriched when bitterness is absent (Hebrews 12:15). summary Matthew 5:24 teaches that God prizes reconciled relationships over ritual. If we harbor unresolved conflict, He tells us to pause our worship, seek peace, and then return. Obedience in reconciliation opens the way for worship that delights the Father and reflects the gospel of the One who first reconciled us to Himself. |
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