Jesus has just finished telling us that we must be more righteous than the scribes and the Pharisees (how does one even do that?) and now He's ratcheted things up even farther... These verses are the beginning of what is sometimes called the 'six antitheses', Jesus gives us one thing and contrasts it (amplifies it) with another. These verses do a wonderful and complete job of convicting each of us. There is simply no way that any of us escapes this convicting commentary completely innocent. All have been angry at their brother and/or sister... all have been seduced in their mind by some alluring woman (or man), far, far too many of us have been divorced, and all of us have claimed some oath or another... often giving them no thought whatsoever.
In the end, this sermon was an extension of the previous week's message and the only thing we are left with is a confirmation of our reliance upon Christ for our salvation. These verses drive home our failures and shortcomings, they point out to us our sin and the amazing grace that Christ holds forth for us all.
Praise God for the grace of Christ!
Be a blessing to someone today!
In Christ,
Roy
Matthew 5:21-37 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Concerning Anger
21 “You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister,[a] you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult[b] a brother or sister,[c] you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell[d] of fire. 23 So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister[e] has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister,[f] and then come and offer your gift. 25 Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court[g] with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.
Concerning Adultery
27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.[h] 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell.[i]
Concerning Divorce
31 “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
Concerning Oaths
33 “Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.’ 34 But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 Let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one.[j]
Footnotes:
a) Matthew 5:22 Gk a brother; other ancient authorities add without cause
b) Matthew 5:22 Gk say Raca to (an obscure term of abuse)
c) Matthew 5:22 Gk a brother
d) Matthew 5:22 Gk Gehenna
e) Matthew 5:23 Gk your brother
f) Matthew 5:24 Gk your brother
g) Matthew 5:25 Gk lacks to court
h) Matthew 5:29 Gk Gehenna
i) Matthew 5:30 Gk Gehenna
j) Matthew 5:37 Or evil
Matthew 5:17-20 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
The Law and the Prophets
17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter,[a] not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore, whoever breaks[b] one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Footnotes:
a) Matthew 5:18 Gk one iota
b) Matthew 5:19 Or annuls
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