- Understand it
- Obey it
Summary: Having described the type of kingdom character (5:2-11) that will make Jesus' followers stand out from the world (vv.13-16), Jesus clearly states that he came not to void out but to fill out the OT (5:17-20). Since Jesus came to fulfill the OT, we can and should excel in our obedience to the OT in such a way that exceeds the "obedience" of the scribes and pharisees. It is this superior obedience to the Law described in v.20 that Jesus is going to unpack using six different examples in vv.21-48 (anger, lust, divorce, oaths, retaliation, love of enemies). Jesus first teaches on the law "You shall not murder," helping us to understand it and to obey it. With strong and serious language, Jesus brings us back to the heart of this Law, teaching us that it was never about merely avoiding the external act of murder; rather, the Law itself called for a deeper and more demanding level of obedience. Don't murder, of course. But also avoid allowing anger to brew in the heart. Jesus teaches that a murderous heart is just as damning as a murderous act. Therefore, to avoid murder we must deal with the heart issue of anger by promptly pursuing reconciliation (vv.23-26).
Discussion Questions:
- What misunderstanding of "do not murder" is Jesus correcting in vv.21-22?
- What is the proper understanding of this law and how should this shape our view of the Law?
- "A murderous heart is just as damning as a murderous act." How can this be?
- What is the relationship between murder and anger? (cf. 1 John 3:15).
- What do Jesus' two mini parables teach us about how we are to obey this command (vv.23-26)?
- Who should initiate the reconciliation process, the offender or the offended (cf. 5:23, 18:15; 11:25)? What principle can we arrive at in terms of dealing with conflicts?
- Discussion: Anger is a "bottom feeder." You can feed it and foster it or starve it and spear it!
- How would you counsel this person: “I know I'm saved, but I’m struggling deeply with anger!”
- How should we think about conflict resolution with unbelievers (cf. Rom. 12:18)?
Application Questions:
- Do I tend to focus on surface obedience or heart obedience?
- Is there anyone in my life against whom I'm harboring anger or resentment?
- What would it look like for me to humbly and faithfully obey Jesus words about dealing with anger and pursuing reconciliation?
- How can I seek to starve anger (the destructive bottom feeder) that can grow in my heart?
- How can I protect my brothers or sisters from the destructive power of unchecked anger?
Prayer Points:
- Confess any anger your are harboring against another person.
- Praise God for sending Jesus to absorbed the wrath that would have been poured out on you.
- Praise God for the gift of the Holy Spirit to help you understand and obey God's word.
- Ask God to bring to mind anyone whom you are angry with or whom may be angry with you.
- Ask for courage and humility to promptly pursue reconciliation with those brought to mind.
