A few days ago we heard Jesus say that the righteousness of His people must exceed that of the Pharisees. Who were the Pharisees? The Pharisees were the religious leaders of Jesus day that often lived in hypocritical ways. The Pharisees were EXTERNALLY correct and appeared to be God’s people. What Jesus is sharing with us is how to be INTERNALLY correct–and to TRULY be God’s people. Jesus wants to write His promises on your heart.
With the stage set, let’s continue our journey into the “Sermon on the Mount”: Today’s we’ll look at the next teaching of Jesus that is found in Matthew 5:21-26. This is where Jesus starts to express the result of applying the Beatitudes to our lives.
Matthew 5:21-26 (TNIV)
21 “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.’22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ [a way of calling someone “empty headed”] is answerable to the Sanhedrin. [The Sanhedrin was the Jewish high court] And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to that person; then come and offer your gift.
25 “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.
26 Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
Something that we have to remember–Jesus elevated the standards of God’s wisdom, the standards Christian living. He elevated these standards above just SIMPLY KEEPING THE LAW. God tells us through the prophet Jeremiah that His new Covenant will be written on our heart. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.” (Jeremiah 31:33)
Jesus tells us how to put the “the heart” into the Law. As you read the Words of Jesus…..apply them with your heart!
I want it so badly. Ty Jan. Praise our Lord and the Father who will make it so, amen.
Amen Alan! I appreciate you bro! 🙂