Sermon Tone Analysis

Let’s remember that Jesus is teaching us His kingdom ethic, what it looks like, how we should live if we are a citizen in HIs kingdom.

So let’s pick it up in verse 17 of chapter 5

Matthew 5:17

Christ has come to fulfill the law and none of it will pass away until all is accomplished.

Look at verse 19, what is Jesus saying to us here?

That we have to be determined to live wholly and completely as Jesus would have us.

Is verse 20 something we should aspire to or a warning to us?

What is this saying about the Pharisees and the scribes?

What’s the deal with the Pharisees and the scribes in regard to righteousness?

Let’s look at the next section.

Anger

Matthew 5:21-

You have heard that it was said, is how the Law and the traditions were taught, orally, the common people didn’t read, they were taught.

Some of what they were taught would be the law, some would be the understanding of the law, some would be the application of the law, and some would be the traditions.

So what does it mean that Jesus says, “But I say to you”?

Jesus is elevating Himself and His teaching above the current teaching and understanding of the Law.

So where does Jesus go with His teaching?

Deeper, he goes to the thoughts, to the heart, the seat of all we are, thoughts, motives, emotions and feelings are all in the heart biblically.

Is it okay as a citizen of the kingdom to not murder, have you fulfilled the law according to Jesus?

No that is just not acting on the anger or hate in our heart.

Why would we have anger or hate?

Unresolved conflict develops into unforgiveness which turns into bitterness.

Bitterness left unchecked can lead to drastic measures, murder being one of them.

What’s Jesus’ suggestion?

Go and be reconciled to your brother.

Reconciliation takes two people, both agreeing, both forgiving, both desiring to have a healthy relationship with each other again.

Forgiveness takes one person, to turn to Jesus with the hurt and/or offense and trust Him with the justice, to give up the right for revenge knowing God will deal with this person now or in the future, or on Jesus.

Lust

Matthew 5:27-30

Holy drastic measures Batman!!

We will get to that.

So, to Jesus, are you fulfilling the Law just by not committing adultery?

No, that is just not acting on what is really going on where?

In the heart, in our thoughts, motives, etc.

What is lustful intent?

Why is it wrong?

It is taking another human being, someone created in the image of God, and turning them into an object who’s purpose is your own fantasy and pleasure , it’s dehumanizing them, degrading them from human to object, and then using them, only to be discarded later when we are finished with them.

So what is Jesus answer in this section?

Tear out your eye, cut off your hand, yikes.

Is that really the answer?

Self-mutilation?

Of course not because if that were truly the answer He’s leaving out one significant member of our body.

The problem is where?

In our heart, we need a heart transplant, not literally but spiritually.

Ezekiel