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The Sermon on the Mount

Matthew 5 - 7

Chapter 5

You've heard it said long ago, "Do not murder; anyone who murders will be subject to judgment." But I tell you, anyone who is angry with their brother or sister without cause will be subject to judgment. Anyone who says to a brother or sister, "Raca" (an insult meaning 'empty-headed'), will be answerable to the court. And anyone who says, "You fool!" will be in danger of the fire of hell.

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

What does this mean?

Context and Interpretation

1. Context in the Sermon on the Mount:
   • The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is a collection of Jesus’ teachings that outline the values and principles of the Kingdom of Heaven. After discussing the fulfillment of the Law, Jesus begins to address specific commandments, giving them deeper meaning and application.

Explanation of the Passage

1. "You've heard it said long ago, 'Do not murder; anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.'":
   • This refers to the Sixth Commandment in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:13, Deuteronomy 5:17). In Jewish teaching, murder was a grave sin that warranted severe judgment.
2. "But I tell you, anyone who is angry with their brother or sister without cause will be subject to judgment.":
   • Jesus intensifies the commandment by addressing the root of murder: unjustified anger. He teaches that harboring anger against others can make a person liable to judgment, just as murder does. This reveals that God's concern is not only with outward actions but also with the condition of the heart.
3. "Anyone who says to a brother or sister, 'Raca' (an insult meaning 'empty-headed'), will be answerable to the court.":
   • "Raca" is an Aramaic term of contempt, meaning "empty-headed" or "worthless." Jesus warns that using such insults makes one liable to the Jewish council or court, indicating that demeaning others with words is a serious offense.
4. "And anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.":
   • Calling someone a "fool" is another severe insult. Jesus teaches that demeaning others can make one liable to divine judgment, highlighting the seriousness of words and attitudes that harm others. The "fire of hell" (Gehenna) refers to ultimate divine judgment.
5. "So if you are offering your gift at the altar and remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First, go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.":
   • Jesus underscores the priority of reconciliation over religious rituals. If someone remembers that a brother or sister has a grievance against them, they should first seek reconciliation before offering their gift to God. This emphasizes the importance of right relationships with others as part of one's relationship with God.

Biblical Principles

1. The Heart Behind the Commandments:
   • Jesus teaches that God's commandments are not only about external actions but also about the inner attitudes and intentions. Anger and contempt can be as spiritually damaging as murder.
2. The Power of Words:
   • Words have the power to harm or heal. Insults and demeaning language are serious offenses in God's eyes and can lead to judgment. Believers are called to use their words to build up, not tear down.
3. Importance of Reconciliation:
   • Reconciliation with others is a crucial aspect of worship and relationship with God. Unresolved conflicts hinder one's relationship with God and should be addressed promptly.

Application

• Managing Anger: Believers are encouraged to manage their anger and not let it fester into bitterness or lead to harmful actions. This involves self-control, forgiveness, and seeking God's help to deal with anger appropriately.
• Speaking with Care: This passage calls for careful and respectful speech. Believers should avoid insults and demeaning language, recognizing the power of words to harm or heal.
• Prioritizing Reconciliation: Christians are urged to prioritize reconciliation with others, especially when aware of unresolved conflicts. Making amends and seeking peace with others is essential for a healthy spiritual life.

Challenges and Encouragement

• Dealing with Anger: Managing anger can be challenging, especially when wronged. Believers are encouraged to seek God's help and to practice forgiveness and patience.
• Using Words Wisely: It can be difficult to always speak kindly and avoid harmful language. Believers can ask God for wisdom and self-control in their speech.
• Seeking Reconciliation: Reconciling with others requires humility and sometimes difficult conversations. Believers are encouraged to take the initiative in seeking peace, trusting that this pleases God.