Sunday, June 28, 2020 am
THE TEACHINGS OF JESUS (11)
Sermon on the Mount (10)
Murder and Anger
Matthew 5:21-26
Today, we continue our study of the teachings of Jesus, and in
particular, the Sermon on the Mount.
In this sermon Jesus is declaring His purpose and has issued
directive concerning life in the kingdom of God.
Last week noted the section are
going to begin examining in more detail today. Recall how in vs. 20,
Jesus challenged us to have a righteousness that exceeds that of the
scribes and Pharisees. We
discussed a little about how righteousness means being right – in this
case, right with God. But
how is our righteousness greater than that of the leaders of Judaism?
Jesus presented a series of “You have heard…But I say” lessons.
Each of these helps us understand how our righteousness will be
pleasing to God. It will not
be mere actions, but also the motives behind those actions.
In essences, Jesus was saying, “Let me show you HOW your
righteousness is to exceed theirs.
In those, “You have heard” expressions, we find not the full teaching of
the LOM, but rather the oral traditions that had manipulated or
perverted what the Law actually said.
Jesus was clearly not speaking of what the LOM said (which when
He did, He typically would say something like, “It is written”).
Next, He said, “But I say to you…” – AGAIN, while used more
frequently than the other, Jesus was probably doing 2 things: 1)
Expressing the heart of the LOM and correcting their corruptions and 2)
Looking toward life in the upcoming Kingdom.
I believe what Jesus taught was BOTH of these in these
expression. Typically, when
Jesus said, “But I say to you…” He had additional information beyond
what the LOM actually taught.
With this background, this morning we want to notice the FIRST
observation Jesus made dealing with murder, anger and the heart of the
matter.
a.
Very much a part of the LOM –
Exodus 20:13, Deuteronomy 5:17; Numbers 35:30-34 – it was a capital
crime.
NOTE: It was MURDER that was condemned – the deliberate and unwarranted
taking of the life of another human being.
While time will not permit a discussion, this is different from capital
punishment (the very penalty for murder), in cases of self-defense, and
perhaps even in wartime. Its
not the same a murder as defined in scripture. (Cf. Romans 13:3-4)
b.
But had they manipulated what the Law actually said?
i.
By excusing some who were guilty,
contrary to the Law?
(Looking the other way, hire for murder, false witnesses that led to
murder, etc.)
ii.
By reasoning that you could
mistreat your enemies as long as you didn’t murder them.
You could destroy them, slander them, dream of murdering them,
etc.
iii.
By reasoning that while they
might be guilty according the local courts (danger of judgment) and pay
the penalty, it did not affect their spiritual standing before God (i.e.
“once saved, always saved”; or “guaranteed salvation as a Jew”.
Consider this in light of how Jesus responds!
c.
We find all of these today as
well. While murder is
“illegal”, 1) There are those who excuse the guilty for one reason or
another - An example: Abortions, which fit the definition of murder if
that fetus is a human being (and I believe he/she is); 2) By acting
hatefully and destroying lives out of bitterness, spite, and
hatefulness. Many feel
justified in doing anything to hurt another short of actual murder;
3) By disregarding God’s laws concerning murder – legalizing abortion
and other types of murder.
II.
But I say to you…
a.
Jesus goes on to say -
Don’t let it get to the point of murder.
Murder is typically a crime of passion, and it is irreversible.
In fact, it is something that MOST human beings are incapable of
(they have too much conscience)
b.
We are to control our anger –
i.
Anger is a subject misunderstood.
It is a good emotion, when controlled.
God is a God of anger and even wrath, but it is righteous anger – Psalm
7:11, God is a just judge, And God is angry with the wicked every day.
ii.
Ephesians 4:26-27, “Be angry,
and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give
place to the devil.
NOTE: There is a time and place for anger.
This is parallel to what Jesus is saying, especially when you
consider His next point.
iii.
From such texts, we learn that
there is a place for anger – when it leads to resolution of problems in
a godly manner.
BUT anger is one of those raw emotions that can lead to murder.
Control your anger, and it will never get that far.
iv.
Jesus warns that getting
angry (obviously sinful anger) can lead to consequences in court.
. Uncontrolled anger is NOT
without consequences and is ungodly.
c.
We are to control our
tongues
–
i.
James 3:2-12 which warns about
the danger of the tongue. It
is described in vivid terminology as a great destructive fire kindled by
a small flame, or the poison of an adder.
Consider also James 1:19, So then, my beloved brethren, let every man
be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;
ii.
Jesus gives 2 examples –
1.
Don’t say, “Raca” – an insult such as “empty head”
or idiot; This might be the
equivalent of slander against someone.
Calling names that do harm.
If so, such are in danger of the “council”.
The court here mentioned would be the “supreme court” of the
Jews (Sanhedrin). Thus, this
is a SERIOUS charge!
Again, this is where sinful violence can begin.
2.
Don’t say, “You fool” – such are in danger of hell
fire. To call one a fool is
to declare them morally corrupt or worthless.
This is the attitude that demeans one as worth LESS than you are
- think prejudice, elitism, etc.
This is one PASSING JUDGMENT on another, often in anger.
Can this lead to murder?
Just think of Jesus as He was betrayed, slandered and wrongfully
condemned and executed.
The problem is that judgment belongs to God – Note Romans 12:19 – Do not
avenge yourselves, leave it to God.
Psalm 94:1, “O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongs; O God, to
whom vengeance belongs, shine forth!”
The strong warning of “hell fire”, the first time this word is recorded
in the gospels. Jesus used
the word some 11 (of 12) times.
This describes the judgment of God.
Jesus is warning, that the heart filled with anger and hatred is noted
by God – He will act against such.
a.
“Therefore” - NOTE
that this is a conclusion and something we can do to prevent what has
been addressed. In the rest
of this passage, Jesus gives a solution to murder, even in the heart!
b.
If your brother has something against you – TAKE
CARE OF IT!
Is there something standing between you and God?
Is there bitterness against another?
You better take care of it BEFORE you come to God.
Jesus noted that he was to leave his gift before the altare and
FIRST be reconciled to his brother.
NOTE: Here we have your guilt – your brother has something against you.
WHO is to take care of it?
YOU! Note also
Matthew 18:15, if your brother sins against you! He has done the wrong
against you. WHO is to take
care of it? YOU!
EITHER way, YOU take care of it!
Why? Because you are
striving to be a peacemaker – Matthew 5:9 (They shall be called sons of
God). Romans 12:18, “If it
is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”
You CANNOT control what someone else does, but you CAN control what you
do and HOW you RESPOND to what others do!
Christians ALWAYS take the high road.
c.
THEN come and offer your
gift.
God wants pure hearts, pure motives AND pure actions.
The latter is to come from the former!
Consider 1 John 4:20-21 – If any
loves God and hates his brother…
d.
Finally, we note: Agree with your adversary quickly – work
out your differences before they escalate to name calling, ungodly wrath
and even murder (whether literally or in the heart – murdered
friendships, irreparable damage, etc.)
AND work out your differences while you still have some control in it.
Jesus is describing here a “debtor’s prison” where it used to be
permitted to cast one in prison for failing to pay their debts.
The point Jesus is making is, WORK IT OUT before it is out of
your hands.
We must control our anger and emotions.
May we never reach the point where we even think of murder where
others are concerned. Take
measures to not even get CLOSE to that.
Such is the heart of the Christian in everything of this life.
Finally, consider who you do not want to be your adversary – God.
You do not want to be at enmity with Him.
Therefore, if you are not living as you ought to, take care of
it. And as always, if there
is some way we can help you with that we stand ready.
Think about it!