Murder - Matthew 5:21-26
Murder
21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,' is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
Reflection: In Jesus' most famous sermon, he is describing what life in the kingdom is like. If you will remember His first words were, "Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand." As Jesus saw what was going on in the temple, he realized a major re-frame was needed in regard to the teaching of the Law or Torah, as was summarized by the Ten Commandments. You will notice that He will preface each upcoming re-frame of each commandment with the words, "you have heard that it was said".
It wasn't that they had forgotten the commandment, but they had completely missed its true meaning and intent. Remember recently Jesus said, "I have not come to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it." Meaning the Law was right and good because it came straight from God to Moses. But over time the Law became all about externals and not truly what the Law was meant for. Thus today part of the re-frame was that murder did not only apply to someone who took another's life but also anyone who acted in rash anger toward someone in what they said to them or did to them.
And in fact this commandment also dealt with how to resolve conflicts within the Christian community. Being that we are sinful human beings, there are bound to be times we offend and hurt each other knowingly and unknowingly. Or in our anger we utter a harsh word, which can damage emotions and soul. There is a place for just anger when someone has been wronged, but that person is still responsible for trying to reconcile with the person before the sun goes down.
It also had practical implications for the courts that had been set up to handle disputes in the community. The Jewish ruling council ruled in these matters and there were various judgments depending on the severity of the crime. And Jesus is saying you can work all that out before having to go to court if you will just humble yourself, admit where you are wrong and be reconciled.
As we look at our communities today what can this mean for us? Having been in full time ministry for 20 years I could not count up the amount of damage that is done to people and the cost in terms of advancement of the kingdom by by not heeding Jesus words. We all are human and we are bound to get offended from time to time as we work with others in faith communities. But here is the the $64,000 question? Will you be so prideful as to be one who takes offense easily and refuses to own your part in a conflict? The question is do you need to be right or do you value reconciliation and unity over getting your needs met? Can you imagine how many times Jesus must have been offended by the way He was treated? And he was the Son of God! So let's take a cue from him and as we interact in the community when we are tempted to get angry and strike back ask the question, "Why am I so angry?" Is this legitimate or, is this all about my ego? And when we go to have reconciling conversations with brothers and sisters can you lead with humility and vulnerability in owning your part in the problem.
Do you see the balance here. I am not saying just let everybody trash you and walk all over you, but be strong in your humility to be able to be a peacemaker, sacrificing your ego for the sake of harmony in the community. i realize this is not easy but as we walk in the footsteps of the ultimate peacemaker, we can make sure that anger isn't used in destructive ways in our community but can lead to constructive conflict resolution and be a witness to the world of how Christ followers treat each other!!
Jesus help us to put aside ego as we relate to each other. Where we have conflicts help us to take the first step in reconciliation humbly offering ourselves for Your sake and the sake of the Kingdom. Amen.
21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,' is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
Reflection: In Jesus' most famous sermon, he is describing what life in the kingdom is like. If you will remember His first words were, "Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand." As Jesus saw what was going on in the temple, he realized a major re-frame was needed in regard to the teaching of the Law or Torah, as was summarized by the Ten Commandments. You will notice that He will preface each upcoming re-frame of each commandment with the words, "you have heard that it was said".
It wasn't that they had forgotten the commandment, but they had completely missed its true meaning and intent. Remember recently Jesus said, "I have not come to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it." Meaning the Law was right and good because it came straight from God to Moses. But over time the Law became all about externals and not truly what the Law was meant for. Thus today part of the re-frame was that murder did not only apply to someone who took another's life but also anyone who acted in rash anger toward someone in what they said to them or did to them.
And in fact this commandment also dealt with how to resolve conflicts within the Christian community. Being that we are sinful human beings, there are bound to be times we offend and hurt each other knowingly and unknowingly. Or in our anger we utter a harsh word, which can damage emotions and soul. There is a place for just anger when someone has been wronged, but that person is still responsible for trying to reconcile with the person before the sun goes down.
It also had practical implications for the courts that had been set up to handle disputes in the community. The Jewish ruling council ruled in these matters and there were various judgments depending on the severity of the crime. And Jesus is saying you can work all that out before having to go to court if you will just humble yourself, admit where you are wrong and be reconciled.
As we look at our communities today what can this mean for us? Having been in full time ministry for 20 years I could not count up the amount of damage that is done to people and the cost in terms of advancement of the kingdom by by not heeding Jesus words. We all are human and we are bound to get offended from time to time as we work with others in faith communities. But here is the the $64,000 question? Will you be so prideful as to be one who takes offense easily and refuses to own your part in a conflict? The question is do you need to be right or do you value reconciliation and unity over getting your needs met? Can you imagine how many times Jesus must have been offended by the way He was treated? And he was the Son of God! So let's take a cue from him and as we interact in the community when we are tempted to get angry and strike back ask the question, "Why am I so angry?" Is this legitimate or, is this all about my ego? And when we go to have reconciling conversations with brothers and sisters can you lead with humility and vulnerability in owning your part in the problem.
Do you see the balance here. I am not saying just let everybody trash you and walk all over you, but be strong in your humility to be able to be a peacemaker, sacrificing your ego for the sake of harmony in the community. i realize this is not easy but as we walk in the footsteps of the ultimate peacemaker, we can make sure that anger isn't used in destructive ways in our community but can lead to constructive conflict resolution and be a witness to the world of how Christ followers treat each other!!
Jesus help us to put aside ego as we relate to each other. Where we have conflicts help us to take the first step in reconciliation humbly offering ourselves for Your sake and the sake of the Kingdom. Amen.
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