In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus shifts from explaining His fulfillment of the Law to addressing the heart behind specific commands. In Matthew 5:21–26, He focuses on the issue of anger, showing that obedience to God’s Law is not just about external behavior but about inward attitudes. Jesus contrasts the shallow righteousness of the Pharisees, who prided themselves on their outward conformity to the Law, with the deep, heart-level righteousness that God desires. This teaching challenges believers to examine their hearts, confront sinful anger, and pursue reconciliation in their relationships as part of living out the kingdom of heaven.
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“You Have Heard That It Was Said…”: Revisiting the Commandment
Jesus begins with a reference to the sixth commandment: “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder,’ and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment” (Matthew 5:21). The prohibition against murder is foundational, appearing in Exodus 20:13 and Deuteronomy 5:17. Under the Mosaic Law, murder was a capital offense (Exodus 21:12), and its prohibition upheld the sanctity of life, as humanity is created in God’s image (Genesis 9:6).
However, Jesus reveals that the Law’s intent goes far beyond the physical act of murder. While the religious leaders focused on avoiding outward violations of the commandment, they neglected the inner attitudes that lead to such actions. By addressing anger, Jesus highlights the heart-level sin that lies at the root of murder and other destructive behaviors.
Anger: The Root of Murder
1. The Sinfulness of Anger
Jesus declares, “But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment” (Matthew 5:22). Here, He equates unrighteous anger with the sin of murder, showing that God’s standard judges not only actions but also attitudes. While murder is the outward expression of hatred, anger festers in the heart, creating division and strife.
This teaching is consistent with the Old Testament. Proverbs 29:22 warns, “An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.” Anger often leads to harmful words and actions, demonstrating its destructive potential. Jesus, therefore, calls His followers to take their inner thoughts and emotions seriously.
2. Words and Their Consequences
Jesus continues, “Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell” (Matthew 5:22). The word “Raca” was an Aramaic term of contempt, roughly equivalent to calling someone “empty-headed” or worthless. Similarly, “fool” (Greek: moros) was a term of insult that demeaned someone’s character.
By condemning such words, Jesus emphasizes the power of speech and the harm it can inflict. As James 3:6 states, “The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body.” While society may dismiss angry words as insignificant, Jesus reveals that they carry eternal consequences. The careless use of speech reflects a heart out of alignment with God’s will and invites His judgment.
The Priority of Reconciliation
After addressing the dangers of anger and harmful words, Jesus shifts to the positive action His followers must take: reconciliation. He teaches that restoring relationships is a priority in the kingdom of heaven.
1. Reconciliation Before Worship
Jesus says, “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:23–24). This statement underscores the importance of relationships in worship. Before approaching God with offerings or prayers, believers are called to address unresolved conflict with others.
This principle reflects the Old Testament teaching that God values obedience and right relationships over ritual sacrifices. In 1 Samuel 15:22, Samuel tells King Saul, “To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.” Similarly, Psalm 51:16–17 emphasizes a broken and contrite heart over external offerings.
Reconciliation demonstrates the transformative power of the gospel, which breaks down barriers and fosters peace. Romans 12:18 exhorts believers: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” By pursuing reconciliation, Christians honor God and reflect His character.
2. The Urgency of Reconciliation
Jesus adds, “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny” (Matthew 5:25–26).
This teaching highlights the urgency of resolving disputes before they escalate. While the example given involves a legal dispute, the principle applies broadly to all conflicts. Delaying reconciliation allows anger and bitterness to grow, leading to greater harm and consequences.
Paul echoes this idea in Ephesians 4:26–27: “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” Addressing conflict promptly prevents it from becoming a foothold for sin and division.
Practical Applications for Believers
Jesus’ teaching on anger and reconciliation has profound implications for believers today. Here are ways Christians can apply these principles:
1. Guarding the Heart Against Anger
Believers must recognize the seriousness of anger and its potential to harm relationships and hinder spiritual growth. This requires examining one’s heart regularly and confessing sinful anger to God. Proverbs 4:23 advises, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Through prayer, Scripture, and the work of the Holy Spirit, Christians can cultivate patience, humility, and forgiveness.
2. Speaking with Grace
Words have the power to build up or tear down, and believers are called to use their speech for good. Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Speaking with kindness and wisdom reflects God’s love and promotes peace in relationships.
3. Pursuing Reconciliation
Reconciliation is not optional for kingdom citizens; it is an essential aspect of living out the gospel. This involves seeking forgiveness when one has wronged others and extending forgiveness when wronged. As Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:14–15, “If you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Reconciliation requires humility, courage, and a willingness to prioritize relationships over pride or self-interest.
Kingdom Living and the Heart of the Law
Jesus’ teaching on anger and reconciliation reveals the deeper purpose of God’s Law: to transform hearts, not just regulate behavior. The Pharisees focused on outward compliance, but Jesus calls His followers to embody the spirit of the Law by loving God and others wholeheartedly (Matthew 22:37–40). This heart-level righteousness reflects the values of the kingdom of heaven and sets believers apart as salt and light in the world.
By addressing anger and emphasizing reconciliation, Jesus also points to the gospel’s power to heal and restore. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus reconciled humanity to God, breaking down the barriers caused by sin (Colossians 1:19–22). As recipients of His grace, believers are called to extend that grace to others, becoming ambassadors of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18–20).
Conclusion
Jesus’ teaching on anger and reconciliation challenges believers to go beyond external obedience to the Law and examine the condition of their hearts. Anger, though often dismissed as a minor issue, is a serious sin that damages relationships and hinders worship. Jesus calls His followers to pursue reconciliation with urgency, reflecting the transformative power of the gospel in their lives.
For Christians today, this teaching serves as a reminder that righteousness begins in the heart and manifests in love, forgiveness, and peace. By addressing anger and prioritizing reconciliation, believers honor God and live out the values of His kingdom.
“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5).
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
For Further Reference: A Detailed Study on the Entire Sermon on the Mount
