"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell. "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

"Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.

Matthew 5: 21-26 (NIV)

Anger and Murder

Anger and Murder

1.We oftentimes view ourselves as doing well because we have not committed a specific act.

Anger and Murder

1.We oftentimes view ourselves as doing well because we have not committed a specific act.

2.Yet Jesus raises the bar. He states that the very act of being angry with a brother was a form of murder.

"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell. "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

Anger and Murder

Is Jesus forbidding ever getting angry at somebody?

Anger and Murder

Is Jesus forbidding ever getting angry at somebody?

No

Anger and Murder

Is Jesus forbidding ever getting angry at somebody?

No

At the same time the Bible acknowledges that anger is dangerous.

Anger and Murder

Is Jesus forbidding ever getting angry at somebody?

No

At the same time the Bible acknowledges that anger is dangerous.

"In your anger do not sin“

Ephesians 4:26 also Psalms 4:4 (NIV)

"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell. "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

Anger and Murder

The term “raca” or “fool” was a strong term of derision.

Anger and Murder

The term “raca” or “fool” was a strong term of derision.

It was indicative of a tendency to dehumanize one’s enemies.

Anger and Murder

The term “raca” or “fool” was a strong term of derision.

It was indicative of a tendency to dehumanize one’s enemies.

How would this apply to us today?

Anger and Murder

The term “raca” or “fool” was a strong term of derision.

It was indicative of a tendency to dehumanize one’s enemies.

How would this apply to us today?

Terms of personal derision: fool, idiot, moron.

Anger and Murder

The term “raca” or “fool” was a strong term of derision.

It was indicative of a tendency to dehumanize one’s enemies.

How would this apply to us today?

Terms of personal derision: fool, idiot, moron.

Terms of political derision: liberals, gays, bankers, etc.

Anger and Murder

Who are you dehumanizing by the language you use about him/her?

"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. "Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.

Anger and Murder

The disciples of Jesus are to prioritize reconciliation.

Anger and Murder

The disciples of Jesus are to prioritize reconciliation.

This requires the humility to acknowledge one’s own sin.

Anger and Murder

The disciples of Jesus are to prioritize reconciliation.

This requires the humility to acknowledge one’s own sin.

The person is to do this quickly before events move beyond their control.

Who has something against you?

Who has something against you?

Who have you wronged?