Thursday – Matt. 5:21-26
I have been thoroughly enjoying my times of study and meditation this week. Thanks for all the great comments/questions you’ve been posting. Keep them coming. We only have one day left.
As I studied the text, here’s what I learned today:
I sat down with my Bible and an excellent book called Kingdom Ethics by Glen Stassen and David Gushee. In the book, the authors break this text down into three parts: Traditional Righteousness (Matt. 5:21), Vicious Cycle (Matt. 5:22), and Transforming Initiative (Matt. 5:23-26).
1. Traditional Righteousness (v. 21)
Every good Jewish person knew that “do not murder” was one of the 10 commandments (Ex. 20:13). That was the traditional benchmark for righteous living.
2. Vicious Cycle (v. 22)
Jesus then addresses the inner attitude that leads to murder. Anger. Notice that he doesn’t say, “don’t be angry”. He simply explains the implications of unresolved anger. Notice as well that he shows a progression when things are left unsettled between rivals. It starts with ‘judgement’ between brothers (those who follow Jesus). Then it may lead to the Sanhedrin (that’s the Jewish court where disputes were settled). The Sanhedrin is a step up from a grudge between two people and indicates the the anger has lead to an outright offense. Finally, Jesus goes beyond the Jewish court to say that unresolved anger can, ultimately, lead someone to hell.
As an aside: this progression from anger to murder can also be seen the O.T. in Deut. 19:11.
3. Transforming Initiative (v. 23-26)
This is the climax of the teaching. In this last section, Jesus shows the way out of the downward spiral of anger. He calls the offended party to take the reconciliatory initiative if the other party is unwilling. This example was most beautifully illustrated by Jesus himself when He died on the cross for the very people who had offended him.
Okay, I know there are many, many examples of extremely complex situations where reconciliation might not be possible. Just remember, this text is primarily about anger and settling disputes.
I’ve said enough. Now it’s your turn.
