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The Sermon on the Mount

Matthew 5 - 7

Chapter 5

Settle matters quickly with your opponent while you are still on the way to court. Otherwise, your opponent may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you could be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.

What does this mean?

Context and Interpretation

1. Context in the Sermon on the Mount:
   • The Sermon on the Mount is a collection of Jesus' teachings found in Matthew chapters 5-7. It includes ethical teachings and principles for living a righteous life.
2. Immediate Context:
   • The verses immediately preceding this passage (Matthew 5:21-24) deal with the subject of anger and reconciliation. Jesus emphasizes the importance of reconciling with others to avoid the judgment that comes from unresolved conflicts.
3. Meaning of the Passage:
   • "Settle matters quickly with your opponent while you are still on the way to court": This suggests that it is wise to resolve disputes amicably and promptly before they escalate to a legal level. Jesus encourages reconciliation and peacemaking as preferable to litigation.
   • "Otherwise, your opponent may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you could be thrown into prison": This illustrates the potential consequences of not settling disputes quickly. If a matter goes to court, the outcome may be unfavorable, leading to severe consequences such as imprisonment.
   • "Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny": This emphasizes the seriousness of the consequences. Once a judgment is made, the full penalty must be paid, indicating the importance of addressing issues before they reach this stage.

Biblical Principles

1. Reconciliation:
   • Jesus teaches the value of reconciliation and making peace with others. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of living in harmony and resolving conflicts (Romans 12:18, Ephesians 4:3).
2. Avoiding Litigation:
   • The passage advises avoiding legal disputes when possible. This is echoed in other parts of the New Testament, such as 1 Corinthians 6:1-8, where Paul advises Christians to resolve disputes within the community rather than in secular courts.
3. Responsibility and Consequences:
   • The passage highlights the responsibility individuals have in managing their relationships and the consequences of failing to do so. It underscores the idea that unresolved conflicts can lead to severe and unavoidable consequences.

Application

• Personal Relationships: This teaching can be applied to personal relationships, encouraging individuals to address and resolve conflicts quickly rather than letting them fester and potentially lead to greater harm.
• Community and Church Life: In a communal or church setting, this passage can be used to promote a culture of reconciliation and peacemaking, emphasizing the importance of resolving disputes internally and amicably.