Matthew 5:21-26, Anger

21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. 23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. 26 Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.

Comments

The following section, verses 21-48, consists of six examples of Jesus’ radical ethic. While neither a complete ethic, it demonstrates how Jesus’ principles work out in practice. In each case Jesus’ view is more demanding than of the law and concerns a person’s attitude rather than conformity to rules.

Jesus’ radical ethic takes its starting-point from the Old Testament law and transcends it, such that we who follow Jesus learn not to hate, which leads to murder, not to insult, which leads us to despise our siblings in Christ, and not to withhold forgiveness, which prohibits reconciliation, which is exactly the work Jesus came to do.

Application/Reflection

Often neglected grievances can have irrevocable consequences. Christians are to be in the reconciliation business when and where we can. Do you have a grievance with someone that requires forgiveness and reconciliation? Take it to the Lord in prayer today.

Prayer

Holy God, heavenly Father, you formed me from the dust in your image and likeness, and redeemed me from sin and death by the cross of your Son Jesus Christ. Through the water of baptism you clothed me with the shining garment of his righteousness, and established me among your children in your kingdom. Assist me today to love others as you love me.

Help me to be reconciled with those I have wronged and those

who have wronged me. May the love and mercy you show me

grow strong in me that I may love others and show them mercy

through the power of your Spirit dwelling in me.