CCF: On Our Way To Court

Bro. Dave Jackson

Matthew 5:21-26

Image courtesy of midtownmarriageandfamilytherapy.com

Almost all of us have felt angry at one point of our lives. We learn to scream first even before we learn to laugh when we were babies. Anger is a familiar feeling for everyone, it’s not necessarily a bad thing, anger is an indication that something is wrong.

“You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘You shall not commit murder’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. 

 – Matthew 5:21-22(NASB)

In this passage, Jesus is not interpreting the scriptures as what rabbi or prophets do, Jesus is playing the part of God speaking the Word with authority as how God views anger. Jesus is God (John 1). Everyone knows that murder or killing someone is wrong and you are subject to God’s judgment. But the comparison Jesus did to murder and anger in this passage is unsettling. He is implicating that God’s standard for us is higher that we thought of. God’s law is perfect (Psalm 19).

Be angry, and yet do not sin; -- Ephesians 4:26a

Anger in itself is not bad, it is the choices that we make after anger that matters. Jesus himself showed righteous anger when he flipped the tables and chased people with a whip when temples are turned into house of trades. (John 2:14-16)

Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering. Make friends quickly with your opponent at law while you are with him on the way, so that your opponent may not hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. Truly I say to you, you will not come out of there until you have paid up the last cent. – Matthew 5:23-26

Jesus is raising the bar for us here, to show real compassion to people who are angry with us, the danger it entails for that person and deal with it with urgency. In pursuit of our righteousness, it’s not just the big sins like murder that matter to God it’s everything that we do and think. Jesus’ standard is good (1 Corinthians 13). The main difference between righteousness and goodness is love. It’s the genuine concern of another’s wellbeing and growth. God’s standard for us is to become righteous and good.

Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfil the law of Christ. – Galatians 6:2

If this standard of God scares you, you should remember you are not alone for everyone have sinned(Romans 3:23) On my own, I am neither perfect nor good (Romans 3). But the good news is, Jesus offered a reconciliation for all of us. Jesus made a better way (John 3) Jesus offered himself to pay the penalty for our sins to give us His righteousness and make us part of God’s family. With Him, we are free from sin (Romans 6)

Be angry, and yet do not sin do not let the sun go down on your anger, -- Ephesians 4:26a

Be angry, and do not sin:

Own your anger. Recognize and acknowledge that you are feeling angry. You haven’t done anything wrong yet. You have a choice to make, what you do next is the one that matters.

Take a deep breath. This is not biblical but it enhances the flow of oxygen to your brain.

Get God’s perspective. By asking two questions: Is God angry about this and what does God wants you to do? Anger is an appropriate way to feel about slavery, sexual abuse and injustice. Just like how Jesus got angry when the temples got filled with money changers and traders.

Forgive. Forgiveness is not about letting anyone get away with anything, it is letting go for vengeance belongs to the Lord.

Do something proactive. Respond proactively with love like Jesus.

Be angry on the things that God is angry and forgive that way Jesus did.

-->

Transcribed by: