Are You a Murderer?
Wednesday, November 4th, 2009It’s JESUS WEEK here on GUWG, where we’re examining the greatest sermon ever preached: the Sermon on the Mount.
Yesterday, Jesus told us that he came to deepen — not destroy — the demands of God’s law. Today, he begins to show us what he means . . .
You have heard that it was said
to the people long ago,
“Do not murder,
and anyone who murders
will be subject to judgment.”
But I tell you
that anyone who is angry with his brother
will be subject to judgment.
Again,
anyone who says to his brother, “Raca,”
is answerable to the Sanhedrin.
But anyone who says, “You fool!”
will be in danger of the fire of hell.
Therefore,
if you are offering your gift at the altar
and there remember that your brother
has something against you,
leave your gift there in front of the altar.
First go and be reconciled to your brother;
then come and offer your gift.
Settle matters quickly with your adversary
who is taking you to court.
Do it while you are still with him on the way,
or he may hand you over to the judge,
and the judge may hand you over to the officer,
and you may be thrown into prison.
I tell you the truth, you will not get out
until you have paid the last penny.
(Matthew 5:21-26)
Jesus knows where murder starts: in our hearts.
Hateful thoughts. Angry insults. How often have we murdered others in our minds? Crushed their spirits with our words? Destroyed reputations with our whispers?
Jesus wants us to take action now. If you’re in church about to put money in the offering plate and suddenly remember that your brother has something against you, leave immediately and go make it right. If you’re headed to court with an adversary, settle quickly before you get there.
John, one of Jesus’ closest friends, put it this way:
Anyone who does not love remains in death.
Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer,
and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him.
(1 John 3:15)
Don’t wait. Stop the hate. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with love right now.
