Week 19 - Matthew 5:21-26
"You have heard that it was said...but I say to you..."
6 different times in Matthew 5 Jesus uses that phrase to call his disciples to a deep righteousness. The Pharisees' righteousness centered on external perfection, but Jesus expected a righteousness that would go to the depths of one's heart.
Jesus isn't refuting the Law. Remember, he did not come to abolish the Law. He came to fulfill it.
The Pharisees were guilty of lowering the bar on the intent of the Law. Jesus came to explain the true meaning of the Law with all of its uncomfortable and intrusive implications. He came as the true expounder of the Law.
Over the next few weeks, we'll look at how Jesus fulfills the Law in his interpretation of the Torah. And there will be a challenge for each of us as we seek a deeper righteousness that surpasses the righteousness of the Pharisees.
We need a righteousness that runs deeper than our skin. It has to penetrate our hearts.
As you dwell in Matthew 5:21-26, here are a few questions to consider and comment on:
1) How does anger get a foothold in your life? How do our expectations relate to anger?
2) Who are the people in your life who you find it easiest to be angry with?
3) Why does Jesus use such a radical example (leaving your gift at the altar) as he talks about the urgency of reconciliation?
4) If we are trying to put Matthew 5:21-26 into practice (as Jesus commands at the end of his sermon in Matthew 7), what is the main target Jesus is trying to get us to shoot for? Never be angry? Reconciliation?
5) What are some ways that Christians (those committed to putting the kingdom on display) might seek to implement this passage in 2012?
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