Anger, Matthew 5:21-26

This post concerns anger and what it causes.

Anger discusses what Jesus said about managing this emotion. Jesus begins with murder and discusses what comes before, Matthew 5:21-22 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment. Whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council. And whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.”

When Jesus used the term ‘You have heard … it … said to those of old,’ He referred to the Tradition of the Elders. He condemned this tradition earlier (see Mark 2:23-3:6 and other passages.) Now, He goes back to anger, often the cause of murder. In this passage, He shows the dire consequences of anger.

Jesus condemns all kinds of anger, insults, and name-calling.

Then, He describes what should happen if you try to worship with animosity in your heart toward a brother, Matthew 5:23-24. “So, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First, … reconcile to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” Note, correcting a wrong with a brother becomes more important than worship.

Society also bestows punishment if we do not correct wrongs, Matthew 5:25-26. “Come to terms quickly 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. Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.” Thus, even society exacts a penalty.

So, what did we learn?

1.Jesus prevents murder by first removing anger.

2.Offenses with brethren can delay our worship until corrected.

For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

#angerBrother #angerWorship #angerPunishment