GOSPEL OF MATTHEW - BEYOND THE SURFACE

RIGHTEOUSNESS IN OUR HEARTS - MATTHEW 5:21-26

Last week while we were visiting our daughter and granddaughter, Pastor Harold filled in for me and talked about…

The week before that we discussed Matthew 5:17-20 and Jesus fulfilling the law and His call to us for Righteousness.  We saw how He is the perfect standard and fulfilled the law, that’s God’s Word has enduring authority forever, and that Jesus’ call to true righteousness is more than the legalism of the Pharisees. 

The definition of antithesis is “a person or thing that is the direct opposite of someone or something else.”  Jesus is the exact opposite of what people thought the Messiah would be -

Jesus is the antithesis – the exact opposite of what people expected and He taught antitheses.  This week and the next 5 we look the antitheses that Jesus taught – which illustrates the greater righteousness He demands for us.  Remember in 5:20, Jesus said, “For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”  He then goes on to tell us how to exceed that outward righteousness that the Pharisees portrayed with His 6 antitheses. 

So as we begin this morning, let us pray!

Sermon Title: Beyond the Surface: Righteousness in Our Hearts and Relationships

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Scripture Text: Matthew 5:21-26 – “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. 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 be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 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.

Illustration: Imagine a small crack in a dam. At first, it seems insignificant, but over time, the pressure builds, and eventually, the whole dam collapses. In the same way, unresolved anger and resentment can break relationships and lead to destruction.

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1. The Heart of the Matter: Anger and Its Consequences (Matthew 5:21-22)

Key Idea: Jesus teaches that righteousness goes beyond the law – brother is not biological but a someone in the faith family, religious community

It goes beyond just avoiding murder—

His righteousness includes avoiding unrighteous anger, unrighteous hatred, and contempt toward others. Harboring unrighteous anger is just as destructive in God's eyes as doing physical harm or taking a life

Unrighteous Anger can kill a person emotionally, spiritually

Insults are generally done in anger

Insulting your brother – Raca – “You empty-headed fool” and Moros – Greek word for FOOL is where we get our word moron

Noticed it is listed here with the seriousness of murder

Supporting Scripture:

1 John 3:15 – "Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him."

Ephesians 4:26-27 – "In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold."

Open-Ended Questions:

1. How do you typically respond when you feel angry? How long do you allow it to linger in your heart?

2. What practical steps can you take to address anger in a way that honors God?

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2. The Urgency of Reconciliation (Matthew 5:23-24)

Illustration: Picture two people trying to run a three-legged race while holding a grudge against each other. No matter how fast they try to go, their lack of unity causes them to stumble. Unforgiveness hinders our spiritual progress and worship.

Forgiveness – 1 man job

Reconciliation – more than 1 required

Jesus calls us to do both –

Reconciliation – dictionary.com states it is “the restoration of friendly relations” Merriam-Webster states it is to restore friendship – Christ is calling us to restore broken relationship leading not only to peace but to fellowship

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When my kids were in middle school and beyond there was new “Get-A-Long” shirt that some parents promoted – siblings could not go do their own thing until they got a long

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Key Idea: Jesus prioritizes reconciliation over religious acts. Before worshiping God, we must make peace with those we have wronged or those who have something against us – or as Paul says in Romans 12:18 “If it is possible as far as it depends on you...”

This is not regarding your anger – if you know you upset someone – go to them

Be reconciled to them first and then come worship God

As Disciples of Christ we are called to reign in our anger but when our words or actions upset or hurt someone – we are called to go to them to reconcile

If we don’t – can we truly worship God?

Supporting Scripture:

Colossians 3:13 – "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

Romans 12:18 – "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."

Open-Ended Questions:

3. Is there someone in your life with whom you need to seek reconciliation? What’s holding you back?

4. How can reconciling with others impact your relationship with God?

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3. Settle Matters Quickly: The Cost of Unresolved Conflict (Matthew 5:25-26)

Illustration: Think of an unpaid loan or mortgage bill. At first, the amount seems manageable, but the longer you ignore it, the interest grows, and soon, the debt becomes overwhelming. Likewise, the longer we delay reconciliation, the harder it becomes.

Key Idea: Jesus warns of the dangers of delaying reconciliation. Bitterness and unresolved disputes can lead to serious consequences, both spiritually and practically.

Reconciliation is not just a matter within the community of believers but outside as well – getting lawyers involved etc. can affect the whole community (James’ roommate situation)

Unsettled grievances can lead to legal proceedings or damage beyond the ability to repair

Go quickly – come quickly to terms to settle

Supporting Scripture:

Proverbs 14:29 – "Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly."

James 1:19-20 – "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires."

Open-Ended Questions:

5. Are there any unresolved conflicts in your life that need to be addressed today?

6. What are some ways you can actively work toward peace and reconciliation in your relationships?

Conclusion & Call to Action

Key Takeaway: True righteousness is more than external obedience—it’s about a heart that rejects anger, seeks reconciliation, and resolves conflict quickly.  That is how we start to have a righteousness that exceeds that of the Pharisees.

Challenge: This week, take one action step:

Identify any lingering anger or resentment and bring it to God in prayer.

Reach out to someone you need to reconcile with and take a step toward peace.

Meditate on Matthew 5:24 and make reconciliation a priority in your walk with Christ.

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Closing Scripture: Ephesians 4:31-32 – "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger... Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

Big Idea for Matthew 5:21-26: True righteousness is not just about avoiding outward sin but about having a transformed heart that pursues reconciliation and peace.