Matthew 5:21-26, “murder/hate: God sees the heart” [Listen]

As Jesus continues to speak to his disciples and the gathered crowd, he now shows them how he breaths life into the Scriptures (vs 17-20). And while he does this he will also help his listeners understand if they fit into his kingdom paradigm.

“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘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,’ (an epithet like “idiot”) is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ (an epithet with hate) will be in danger of the fire of hell.

Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.”

Scripture often carries fuller meaning if we read it in its context. This passage is actually “held” in the context of chapters 5 – 7. Jesus has just finished telling his listeners that God blesses those who are poor in spirit, meek, merciful, etc. (vs 3-12) After this he answers two questions that naturally follow. The first, “What do God’s people do? What is their role?” Answer – They permeate life with flavor and preservation and they give light to everyone around them. (vs 13-16) The second question Jesus answers is, “What do we do with all that has come before – the Law and the Profits?” Answer – Jesus has come to bring the true and full meaning to all of Scripture. Everything is profitable for God’s purposes. (vs 17-20)

Now Jesus is going to show his listeners just how he gives full meaning and life to Scripture. At the same time he is going to help his listeners find out if they are actually people of the kingdom.

Vs 21-22 – You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘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

Jesus gets right to the point:

1) The sinful actions that we display (in this case murder) are created in the heart. If we only looking at the action we ignore the monster underneath.

- It is the heart that produces the outward manifestation:

Matthew 15:18-20 – But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these (things from the heart) make a man ‘unclean.’ For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These (evil thoughts) are what make a man ‘unclean’…

James 1:13-15 – When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

- And God knows the heart:

Proverbs 21:2 – All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart.

1 Samuel 16:7 – The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if we could read each others thoughts for a week. Your spouse would know what you’re thinking. The people you work with would know what you’re thinking. Would you run and hide? While this would be horrible for me, most don’t think twice about God knowing our every thought and motive. While we may be able moderate our actions to meet the expectations of those around us, God knows our deepest thoughts and motives. In this passage we find that hate and murder emerge from the same place.

2) Stop living a hypocritical life and deal with your sin. Fellowship with God (our lifeline) is in the balance.

vs 23-24 – “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.”

God is not fooled by empty religious disciplines that may appear righteous to those who can only see the outside. Since God can see our deepest thoughts we must understand that fooling those around us with pious actions has no value – we are completely transparent to God.

3) Stop living a hypocritical life and deal with your sin. Fellowship with your neighbor is in the balance.

vs 25-26 – “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.”

Knowing God knows us better than we know ourselves should create a response of broken humility – see verses 3-12. If we respond this way we are people of the kingdom. If our response does not produce broken humility we are in trouble.