Why is reconciliation prioritized before offering gifts at the altar in Matthew 5:23? The Passage in View “Therefore, if you are presenting your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23–24) Why Reconciliation Comes First • Worship Is Relational: God designed worship to flow out of loving relationships (Matthew 22:37–40). A rupture with a brother or sister contradicts the very heart of worship. • God Values Mercy over Ritual: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice” (Hosea 6:6). Reconciling displays mercy; unreconciled offerings reduce sacrifice to empty formality. • The Altar Symbolizes God’s Presence: Approaching the altar while harboring offense insults God’s holiness (Isaiah 1:11–17). • Unity Reflects God’s Character: God is one (Deuteronomy 6:4). Division misrepresents Him; reconciliation restores the witness of oneness. • Unresolved Sin Hinders Prayer: “If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened” (Psalm 66:18). Reconciliation removes the barrier. • Love Fulfills the Law: Offering gifts fulfills ceremonial law, but loving one’s neighbor fulfills moral law (Romans 13:10). Jesus elevates the moral above the ceremonial. • Christ’s Mission Is Reconciliation: “God… reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18). To ignore reconciliation is to resist Christ’s purpose. Practical Implications for Today 1. Examine Relationships Before Worship: A weekly heart-check prevents hypocrisy (1 Corinthians 11:28). 2. Act Immediately: Jesus says “first go,” highlighting urgency. Delayed obedience robs both parties of peace. 3. Humility Opens the Door: Whether you caused or received offense, initiate the conversation (Philippians 2:3). 4. Make Restitution When Needed: Zacchaeus modeled tangible repentance (Luke 19:8). Words plus actions complete reconciliation. 5. Return to Worship with Joy: After reconciliation, worship gains authenticity and freedom (Psalm 32:1–2). The Gospel Pattern • God made the first move toward us (Romans 5:8); we mirror His grace by making the first move toward others. • Jesus left heaven’s glory to reconcile us; leaving the altar to reconcile is a miniature picture of the Incarnation. • Restored fellowship with people and God leads to Spirit-empowered worship marked by truth, joy, and unity (John 4:24; Psalm 133:1). Summary Reconciliation precedes offering because fractured human relationships fracture worship. By making peace first, believers honor God’s holiness, embody His mercy, and align with the very mission of Christ—restoring all things to Himself. |
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