Mat 5:21-26; Seeking to Heal All Broken Relationships

Class Outline:

Thursday, June 20, 2024

 

Introduction. Wisdom is a gift from God.

 

Wisdom only comes through an understanding of the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Wisdom only comes through an understanding of salvation.

 

Wisdom is behavior, not just intellect.

 

Idea: You shall not kill manifests a culpable inward contempt that will become a positive reconciliation by the wisdom of Christ.

 

MAT 5:21-26

 

Why does mankind want to kill? Why does he get angry and call others names? 

 

Murder, and the lesser acts of hatred and malice and name calling, have often been the solution of the jealous and angry; those seeking revenge; those wanting to get political opponents out of the way; those acting out in passion. End the life, or at least hurt it enough to satisfy the desire of hatred.

 

We insult others out of a need to feel superior.

 

All are guilty of hellfire.

 

All are guilty, GAL 2:16

 

Though not dealt with in the Sermon, the revelation will come that though all are guilty, salvation is in Jesus Christ, GAL 3:19-29. 

 

So, we’re not on the hook for the law? 

 

You have been blessed by God entering into the spiritual rights of the New Covenant with you, HEB 8:10-11. 

 

You have been made to live the law and love the law of God. 

 

Jesus gives two parables of reconciliation, MAT 5:23-26

 

Parable 1: reconciliation is more important than offerings.

 

Freely reconcile your broken relationships. 

 

The first concerns a worshiper of God who is bringing an offering. The only place to offer was the temple in Jerusalem. Jesus is speaking in Galilee, so presumably our offerer has traveled some 80 miles to present his offering. He must leave his offering there and return to Galilee in order to reconcile with his brother. It would take him a week to make the round trip. 

 

To obey the Lord is better than sacrifice. 

 

The importance of right relationships demands decisive action.

 

Anger gives the devil an opportunity. 

 

Parable 2: another illustration of the importance of reconciliation. In this case the person is under duress. He is guilty of something, probably a debt, and if he does not settle out of court (so to speak) he will be in prison until he has paid the last cent.

 

The simple message is: do not allow bad relationships to remain unresolved. We are to reconcile whenever possible. Why? This is the heart of God. 

 

Passages on the positive aspect of “You shall not murder,” - reconciliation. 

 

We can see that the negative command, “You shall not …” has a positive side, being a peace giver to all men, giving salvation to some. TIT 2:11; MAT 5:9; PRO 16:7; MAR 9:50; ROM 12:18; 1CO 9:22; Php 4:5; 1PE 2:21-23.