Today’s Reading: Matthew 5:21-22 (HCSB)
You have heard that it was said to our ancestors, Do not murder, and whoever murders will be subject to judgment. But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Fool!’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But whoever says, ‘You moron!’ will be subject to hellfire.
Today’s Question:
What is the most recent situation in which you felt a deep hatred in your heart toward someone else?
Today’s Commentary:
I carry with me a most dangerous weapon. It is a weapon of mass destruction. When I go to an airport, the TSA has never asked me to remove it. But Jesus stated that this weapon could be the worst of all. I am speaking of the tongue, for the tongue is capable of murder.
We are examining the Great Sermon that Jesus delivered at the beginning of His teaching ministry. He is instructing His disciples on the life that His followers are called to live. Today, we begin a new segment of this sermon, called by many scholars the “antithesis.” This word is used because Jesus is stating six times “You have heard… but I say to you.” In others words, there are some things you have been taught but there is more that you need to know.
For example, in today’s reading, Jesus reminded them of the commandment not to murder. At the mention of this Old Testament law, the heads of the listeners must have nodded, for they had indeed heard of this teaching. Yet, Jesus (following the pattern of this message) offers a shocking statement. In essence, Jesus states that all (or most) people have committed murder.
Jesus has already told the disciples that their righteousness must surpass that of the most devout religious rulers. These people were “law keepers.” But they forgot a greater concept, which many call “the spirit of the law.” Near the end of Jesus’ life, He would sharply rebuke these leaders. Matthew 23:23 is a summary of Jesus’ point: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You pay a tenth of mint, dill, and cumin, yet you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. These things should have been done without neglecting the others.”
The spirit of God’s Law against murder was the respect for human life. This respect includes the dignity and personhood of others. It is impossible to avoid an angry moment. We live as sinful, fallen people in community with one another. We will have conflict. How we handle and resolve conflict is based upon respect. Do we believe that God has created all people and extends His grace to them? Why is it difficult for those of us who have been forgiven a multitude of sins to offer an ounce of grace to another person?
If anger is not quickly resolved, it is like a wildfire in the Rocky Mountain summer. It spreads quickly, ruthlessly, and does a tremendous amount of damage in a short period of time. An angry word turns to bitterness, and bitterness to wrath. Given the right (or wrong) circumstance and without the restraint of the Holy Spirit, any person could do the unthinkable. This is just how depraved mankind remains.
Out of love, the disciple of Christ must rid himself or herself of the weapons that destroy the lives of others. Tame that evil tongue and train it to only give glory to God in all things.
“Follow One, Lead Others” Principle #16: The follower of Christ seeks to be careful with his or her words, so as to edify others and not discourage.
Today’s Prayer Point: We would do well to remember and repeat the nineteenth Psalm of David (verse 14): “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You, Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.” (HCSB)
Shepherding Well 