Murder – Matthew 5:21-26

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Matthew 5:21-26 (NIV) “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.

Study Questions:

  1. As Jesus begins His teaching here, He refers to something people are familiar with (vs. 21). What is He referring to and where would people have heard it (Genesis 9:6, Exodus 20:13)?
  2. How does Jesus reinterpret the teaching people have heard (vs. 22)?
  3. How does He take it further than a mere consideration of an outward act (further than the letter of the law)?
  4. What is the crime at issue and how serious is it (consider the punishment Jesus mentions)?
  5. What relationships are at issue in verse 22?
  6. Is Jesus simply referring to biological siblings?
  7. Is He referring to people of faith? Consider verses 44- 47 and also Matthew 12:46-50.
  8. Jesus describes two scenarios in verses 23-26. What are these scenarios?
  9. In each one, who is the angry party?
  10. And again, in each scenario, upon whom does Jesus lay the responsibility to act and repair the relationship?
  11. How urgently does Jesus want us to address circumstances calling for reconciliation?
  12. What in the passage (vs. 23-26) leads you to your conclusion? Consider that the only altar at which an offering could be made was in Jerusalem (potentially a great distance away from home).