Topical Encyclopedia In the teachings of Jesus Christ, murder is addressed not only as a physical act but also as a matter of the heart and spirit. Christ's explanation of murder extends beyond the literal taking of life to encompass the attitudes and intentions that lead to such actions. This understanding is rooted in the broader biblical context and is expounded upon in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels.The Sermon on the Mount One of the most significant passages where Jesus addresses the issue of murder is found in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 5:21-22 , Jesus states: "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." Here, Christ expands the traditional understanding of murder. He emphasizes that harboring anger and contempt towards others is akin to murder in the eyes of God. This teaching underscores the importance of inner purity and the need to address the root causes of sin, such as anger and hatred, which can lead to the physical act of murder. The Heart of the Law Jesus' explanation of murder aligns with His broader teaching on the fulfillment of the Law. In Matthew 5:17-18 , He declares: "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished." By addressing the heart's condition, Jesus fulfills the Law by revealing its true intent. The commandment "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13) is not merely a prohibition against the act itself but a call to cultivate love and reconciliation among individuals. Reconciliation and Forgiveness In Matthew 5:23-24 , Jesus further instructs: "Therefore if you are offering 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." This teaching highlights the priority of reconciliation and the restoration of relationships. It suggests that unresolved anger and conflict are barriers to true worship and must be addressed promptly. The Parable of the Good Samaritan In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus tells the Parable of the Good Samaritan, which, while not directly about murder, illustrates the broader principle of love and compassion that stands in opposition to the attitudes that lead to murder. The Samaritan's actions demonstrate the love and mercy that Jesus calls His followers to embody, contrasting with the neglect and indifference that can contribute to a culture of violence and hatred. The Role of the Heart Jesus' teachings consistently point to the heart as the source of sinful actions. In Mark 7:21-23 , He explains: "For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man." This passage reinforces the idea that murder, like other sins, originates from within. It is not merely an external act but a manifestation of internal corruption. Therefore, the transformation of the heart is essential in overcoming the sin of murder. Conclusion Through His teachings, Jesus Christ provides a profound understanding of murder that transcends the physical act. By addressing the underlying emotions and attitudes, He calls His followers to a higher standard of righteousness, one that seeks to eradicate the roots of violence and cultivate a spirit of love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 5:21,22You have heard that it was said of them of old time, You shall not kill; and whoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library On the Prophetical Office of Christ 1 John iii. 12-15 The Precept of Loving One's Enemies it is as Much Taught in the ... 1 John iii. 11, 12 Faustus Rejects the Old Testament Because it Leaves no Room for ... Index of Subjects. James iv. 1, 2 The Great Crisis in Popular Feeling - the Last Discourses in the ... Appendix vii. On the Date of the Nativity of Our Lord Penitence, as Explained in the Sophistical Jargon of the Schoolmen ... Resources Do the ends justify the means? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about abortion? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about killing in war? Is killing in war a sin? | GotQuestions.org Murder: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Cannibalism: General Scriptures Concerning Murder is a Work for the Flesh Murder of Saints, Specially Avenged Murder: Characteristic of the Devil Murder: Connected With Idolatry Murder: Defiles The: Person and Garments Murder: Described As Killing by a Hand Weapon of Wood Murder: Described As Killing by an Instrument of Iron Murder: Described As Killing by Lying in Wait Murder: Described As Killing by the Blow of a Stone Murder: Described As Killing with Premeditation Murder: Described As Killing: from Hatred Murder: Forbidden by Mosaic Law Murder: God: Curses Those Guilty of Murder: God: Makes Inquisition For Murder: God: Rejects the Prayers of Those Guilty of Murder: God: Requires Blood For Murder: Herodias and Her Daughter Murder: Imputed to the Nearest City when the Murderer Was Unknown Murder: Killing a Thief in the Day, Counted As Murder: Mode of Clearing Those Suspected of Murder: Not Concealed from God Murder: Often Committed by Night Murder: Persons Guilty of Fearful and Cowardly Murder: Persons Guilty of Flee from God's Presence Murder: Persons Guilty of had No Protection from Altars Murder: Persons Guilty of not Protected in Refuge Cities Murder: Persons Guilty of not to be Pitied or Spared Murder: Persons Guilty of Wanderers and Vagabonds Murder: Punishment For: Forbidden Murder: Punishment For: Inflicted by the Nearest of Kin Murder: Punishment For: Not to be Commuted Murder: Punishment For: The Curse of God Murder: Punishment of, not Commuted Under the Law Murder: Represented As a Sin Crying to Heaven Murder: Saints: Deprecate the Guilt of Murder: Saints: should Warn Others Against Murder: Saints: Specially Warned Against Murder: The Jews often Guilty of Murder: The Law Made to Restrain Murder: The Wicked: Encourage Others to Commit Murder: The Wicked: Filled With Murder: The Wicked: Have Hands Full of Murder: The Wicked: Lie in Wait to Commit Murder: The Wicked: Perpetrate Murder: The Wicked: Swift to Commit Murder: To be Proved by Two Witnesses at Least Related Terms Commandments (181 Occurrences) |
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