Thou Shalt Not Kill in Any Way

Introduction

Now Jesus starts meddling! Gets very specific/very practical. Like Moses proclaiming the Law from Mount Sinai-on this mount gives us clear explanation of the Law of God. You who are always saying you want to know the will of God-listen to Jesus in vss 21-48. Begins by explaining the full meaning of the 6th commandment--takes it further than his listeners/perhaps we might expect. Murder more than taking of physical life. Listen carefully to what he says- your soul is on the line. (Tech note-"brother" not restricted to family/fellow believers, = neighbor)

• The real meaning of the Commandment to not murder(21-22)
• You have heard that it was said... (21a)-Jesus compares trad w/full meaning. Does this throughout vss 21-48; not specifically quoting Scrip but Rabbinic teaching of Scrip. Concern: how far each command really goes. Thus sets his supreme/divine authority up against ancient human teachers-his interp the right one!
• Traditional understanding concerned w/external conformity only (21b; cf 20)- Pharisees/teachers of Law content with not physically murdering/penalty for that. Often enough for us/conscience to go that far.
• Jesus says there is more to it than that (22)-look at 3 circumstances: attitude and words; wants us to remember out of fullness of heart mouth speaks. What causes anger/ insults/speak harshly? James 4:1f-ultimately failure to have our agenda met--heart problem. Murder does not begin w/act of pointing a gun/knife, hitting, strangling-it begins in the heart. Jesus-murder more than physical-also attitude/words.
• On this basis many of you guilty of murder in God's eyes- unjust anger/wicked words w/neighbor. No physical violence? Guilty bec of attitude. Warns you to beware condition of your heart re: your neighbor. Plain truth is-you stand condemned by God for your attitude. Sinful anger is murder in your heart.
• Do you see this in your life? You are guilty of murder! Think of it! What will you do about this? Can do nothing, but God has an answer for it. And it begins w/recog of your sin and then goes to the Cross-you need to come to Jesus and be saved from your sin-and murder is not the only one you have. Urge to come.

• Jesus does not stop with this warning. He gets very practical here.
• The application of the Commandment to not murder (23-26)
• Jesus concerned with the matter of reconciliation as the only alternative to murder in the heart-2 points:
• The need for reconciliation (23-24)-orig image--Israelite coming to altar. Situation essentially same w/Xn. Note subtle shift vs 23- not your anger/ brother's. Cure in v 23.. A breach w/your neighbor left untended renders your worship unacceptable. Your duty to seek reconciliation ( if you can).
• The urgency of reconciliation (25-26)-reconciliation must be a priority w/you. Note urgency of command vss 25-26: idea of being quick, danger of not being quick. Details not to be taken literally-not literal court but idea of judgment. Failure of reconciliation leads to a penalty-perhaps eternal!
• Jesus wants you to see this matter as one important to your soul-Rev 22:15; murders do not go to heaven. They go to hell. No such thing as a small grudge, small insult-all big in eyes of Christ. We are too careless-too naive about our attitudes/words. They can send us to hell.
• Are you on your way to hell this morning? Angry w/someone? Spoken harsh/insulting words? Someone angry w/you? Do you need to do a work of reconciliation w/someone today? Do not neglect this-your soul is at stake. Do not run away fr the one you are angry with/who is angry at you.

Conclusion

It is a hard work Jesus commands you to engage in. But he who commands you will also give you grace to do it. And so I leave you with this command-Go now, and do as Jesus has told you to do in vss 25-26.-go and be reconciled with your adversary quickly while you are still able. Do not wait till you feel good/better about it. There may never BE a later! Do it now.

Rev. Arthur J. Fox, Pastor
10 Spruce Street
Middletown, PA 17057
(717) 944-5835