"THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT"

Murder And Anger (Mt 5:21-26)

INTRODUCTION
  1. In what way is our righteousness to exceed the "righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees" (Mt 5:20)?
  2. Jesus now begins to illustrate how through a series of contrasts, the first concerning Murder And Anger (Mt 5:21-26)

[We notice first...]

  1. THE "TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION AND APPLICATION" CONCERNING THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT (ON MURDER) - Mt 5:21
    1. NOTICE THAT I SAY "TRADITIONAL"...
      1. In other words, that which had been taught by the "traditions of the elders" (cf. Mt 15:2)
        1. That Jesus is referring to such is in view of His preparatory remarks: "You have HEARD that it was SAID to those of old"
        2. Referring to ORAL traditions rather than the WRITTEN Law (cf. earlier lesson on "Jesus & The Law")
      2. Which traditions had likely been accepted by the "scribes and Pharisees"
    2. THE "TRADITIONAL" INTERPRETATION AND APPLICATION OF THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT...
      1. Is seen in the phrase "whoever murders wil be in danger of the judgment"
      2. The term "judgment" likely refers to the local courts of their day
      3. This interpretation may sound fine, but evidently did not go far enough in how the Law should have been interpreted...
  2. THE TEACHING OF JESUS AND "KINGDOM RIGHTEOUSNESS"
    1. JESUS APPLIES THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT AS THE LAW ORIGINALLY INTENDED (AND TAUGHT ELSEWHERE IN THE LAW)...
      1. Not only is murder wrong, but the emotions which often lead to murder as well - cf. Pr 6:16-19
        1. Not only are "hands that shed innocent blood" (murder) an abomination to the Lord
        2. But also a "heart that devises wicked plans" and "one who sows discord among brethren" (due to anger)
      2. This being true, the Law should have been interpreted and applied accordingly
      3. This Jesus does in Mt 5:22...
        1. One who is angry with his brother without a cause should be in danger of the "judgment"
          1. I.e., the local courts through Palestine
          2. Which were normally reserved for common criminals
        2. One who says to his brother "Raca!" (blockhead!) should be in danger of the "council"
          1. I.e., the Sanhedrin council
          2. Which was the high court normally reserved for special criminals
        3. One who says "You fool!" would be in danger of "hell fire"
          1. I.e., Gehenna
          2. The place of everlasting torment - Mk 9:43-48
      4. In this way, the "traditional interpretation and application" of the Law fell far short of what it should have been
        1. The "righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees" had just been condemning murderers when those with hateful emotions were just as guilty!
        2. The "righteousness of the kingdom" is in harmony with the original intent of the Law - notice Ga 5:19-21
    2. JESUS CONTINUES TO EMPHASIZE THE SERIOUS NATURE OF SUCH EMOTIONS BY ILLUSTRATING HOW THEY AFFECT OUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH GOD AND MAN (Mt 5:23-26)...
      1. We should not try to worship God when we are "at odds" with a brother
        1. Repair your strained relationship with a brother before worshipping God - Mt 5:23-24
        2. Otherwise, it won't do us any good - cf. 1Jn 4:20-21
      2. We should be quick to "make amends" lest uncontrolled anger cause us to wind up in court, possibly prison! - Mt 5:25-26
        1. Many "hot-heads" have let their anger prompt them to do things that sent them to prison!
        2. But notice how those in the kingdom are to act - Ro 12:18-21
CONCLUSION
  1. In the first contrast between the "righteousness of the kingdom" and the "traditional treatment of the Law", Jesus has:
    1. Declared that the ancients did not go far enough in applying the Law
    2. Illustrated how it should be applied by those seeking to surpass the "righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees"
  2. We have seen that the "righteousness of the kingdom" is actually in harmony with the Law and the Prophets!

In the next lesson, we shall consider what Jesus taught in regards to the matter of adultery...