Knowing The Word in Matthew 5:21-26

This next section of Matthew 5:21-48 consists of six examples of Jesus’ radical ethic. While neither a complete ethic nor a theological statement of general ethical principles, it demonstrates how Jesus’ principles, enunciated in vv. 17-20, work out in practice. In each case Jesus’ view is more demanding than of the law and concerns a person’s attitude rather than conformity to rules. Jesus’ radical ethic takes its starting-point from the Old Testament law, but does not so much either confirm or abrogate it as transcend it.

Anger

21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old [those to whom the law was given at Sinai], ‘You shall not murder [not kill]; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry [the hatred that is behind murder] with his brother [a fellow disciples] will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ [words of angry contempt, not vulgar words] will be liable to the hell of fire [gehenna, ultimate divine judgment]. [We need to submit out thoughts to God. See Psalm 109.] 23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. [If God punishes anger, then we cannot worship him with unsettled issues.] 25 Come to terms quickly [urgency of reconciliation] with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. 26 Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny. [This short parable warns that neglected grievances can have irrevocable consequences.]