Matthew 5:21-26 | Colossians 3:12-14
So yes, Jesus affirms the law. But he is no legalist. For Jesus, it is not about the law. It is about love. The law exists not to be upheld, but to uphold love. The law is a servant unto love. So as Jesus begins to share examples in the next several sections, he will describe a previously-known law (here, do not murder), how it is held legalistically, and then how it should be applied lovingly.
In the case of murder and anger, Jesus is concerned about the brokenness of relationships. And he delivers an implicating message that still seems lost on so much of the Christian Church today: that even our worship doesn’t matter if we haven’t sought to reconcile our broken relationships. We could paraphrase Jesus’ conclusion to say, “Don’t even come to worship God before seeking to right your relationships with people.”
When we sit with this notion for a bit, we must come to terms with the seriousness of Jesus’ teaching here. Too often, we think that worship is primary. We might even think that if we just worship rightly, or often enough, or with the right level of passion, everything else will take care of itself. But here, Jesus is putting right relationships above the sacrifice of praise.
Matthew 5:21-26
“You have heard that it was said to those who lived long ago, Don’t commit murder, and all who commit murder will be in danger of judgment. But I say to you that everyone who is angry with their brother or sister will be in danger of judgment. If they say to their brother or sister, ‘You idiot,’ they will be in danger of being condemned by the governing council. And if they say, ‘You fool,’ they will be in danger of fiery hell. Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift at the altar and go. First make things right with your brother or sister and then come back and offer your gift. Be sure to make friends quickly with your opponents while you are with them on the way to court. Otherwise, they will haul you before the judge, the judge will turn you over to the officer of the court, and you will be thrown into prison. I say to you in all seriousness that you won’t get out of there until you’ve paid the very last penny.
Colossians 3:12-14
Therefore, as God’s choice, holy and loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Be tolerant with each other and, if someone has a complaint against anyone, forgive each other. As the Lord forgave you, so also forgive each other. And over all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.
Prayer
God - I know the world is full of broken relationships. I know because I have experienced some. It’s hard, God, because I can only do what I can do. Relationships are two-way. I know you know this because you’ve been on the short end of countless relationships with us humans!
How do you do it? How do you keep coming at us with love and grace and forgiveness? I guess it’s just who you are.
In the days, months, and years to come, help me to move toward your radical love for all people. In the specific situations I am thinking about right now in which I know I have an unreconciled situation with someone, give me the wisdom and grace to know what to do, if there is something that can be done.
By your Spirit and in Christ, Amen.
I remember reading this portion of the NT scriptures growing up, very concerned because I’d called my brother a “fool” on countless occasions. (I can’t imagine that HE had any reason to do the same for me. :-) ) I learned later that it wasn’t so much about the letter of the law, or the words, but the emotional charge behind what I said. It was the value I placed in my brother - biological or otherwise. I still loved my brother, even as I called him a fool during times of sibling bickering. This is a challenging portion still, because I so often just want to cast off others as “fools.”
But even more challenging for me is when people won’t engage with me after I’ve hurt them. I’ve had a situation where I know I hurt someone and tried to go ask forgiveness, but they won’t talk to me. Not at all. It just makes me sad, and I do t know what to do.