How to Have Surpassing Righteousness in Conflict

Matthew 5:21–26 NIV

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,’ is answerable to the 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 them; 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.

Introduction

Jesus doesn’t disagree with the OT but clarifies its application

He expects righteousness surpassing even the most dedicated law followers.

In this text, he deals with one of the foundational OT laws, “Thou shalt not kill”

Considering Laws against Murder

The fundamental wrongness of murder is established at creation

Made in God’s image

The first recorded murder is punished

Murder is prohibited after the flood

Murder is prohibited in the mosaic law

Murder is condemned in the Davidic King

Murder is condemned by Jesus

Murder in Civil Law Rightly Focuses on the Act Rather than the Thought

No earthly government can read minds so civil law cannot condemn thoughts

King Jesus establishes a new government – one concerned with the heart

So, how does Jesus tell us to demonstrate righteousness beyond the pharisees in conflict?

Avoid Violence and Insults

Matthew 5:21–22 NIV

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,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

Jesus condemns the angry heart

The king’s judgement falls on those who have an angry heart

A declaration of the superiority of the king – a king who can rightly judge the heart

Our court system looks at action and then takes on the difficult task of reasoning backwards to intent

Jesus is a greater judge who looks at intent even apart from action

This naturally flows from Jesus summary of the law

Matthew 22:36–40 NIV

36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Jesus condemns angry speech

Of course, if an angry heart will face judgement, angry speech does as well

Insult and contempt have no place in Jesus kingdom

The specific examples Jesus give are belittling and insulting

Application

The inclusion of degrees of judgement serves to emphasize the seriousness of these sins

Resist anger in your heart

Consider whether the media you consume makes you angry

There’s a difference between being informed and being enraged

Our culture views anger as a form of entertainment – don’t go there

Don’t be content to stew and think you’re doing a good job with anger

Anger leaks, but the problem isn’t the leak; it’s the anger

External anger is more visible than internalized anger but no less destructive

Proverbs 18:1–2 (ESV)

1 Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire;

he breaks out against all sound judgment.

2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,

but only in expressing his opinion.

Pursue Speedy Reconciliation

The call to reconciliation is illustrated in two ways: reconciliation before worship, and reconciliation before court

Both of the illustrations focus on situations where you are the party who has been accused of wrongdoing

Both of the illustrations emphasize the demand for speediness

Illustration 1: Pursue Peace Before Piety

Matthew 5:23–24 NIV

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 them; then come and offer your gift.

In this example, there is someone who has something against you – they think you’ve done wrong

We are tempted to say, “Well that’s their problem”

Jesus says it’s your problem

Reconciliation with the one you have offended is so important that Jesus prioritizes it over even worship

The process of worship at this time involved long lines and inconvenience. Jesus says get out of line

Church can be a place of great interpersonal strife; it shouldn’t be

Illustration 2: Pursue Reconciliation Before Litigation

Matthew 5:25–26 (NIV)

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.

In this illustration there seems to be a financial disagreement that’s headed to litigation

In such circumstances we might be tempted to vigorously defend our rights

Jesus urges prioritizing reconciliation

Some of this is practical wisdom – You might lose and face greater punishment than settling!

In light of v. 22, there is also an implication of coming judgement.

In the sermon on the mount we are continuously called to take the long view

In the beatitudes we were reminded that Christ’s coming kingdom is worth suffering now

Here it’s more negative, judgement is coming so live in light of that reality

Application

Pursue reconciliation with your fellow man

Pursue reconciliation with your God

1 Peter 2:23 NIV

When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.