In the previous text, Jesus set the stage for the remainder of his sermon. He has affirmed both his disciple’s firm identity in himself, as well as his role to fulfill the law, not to abolish it. Now he pivots, launching into a series of teaching on the ethics of the Kingdom of God. His disciples are saved by grace alone apart from the law and yet are called to live according to God’s law, for His glory, their good, and the good of their neighbors. Jesus grabs the attention of his audience by equating the horrendous sin of murder to the far more common and acceptable sin of anger.
The origins of murder are birthed in the anger of human hearts. Sinful anger divides and breaks relationship, both within the church as well as in the community. For this there are serious, often overlooked, spiritual consequences. Jesus brings forward an urgent call to repent of sins of anger and heartily pursue reconciliation. Let us humbly consider our own hearts and allow this challenge to both admonish and encourage.
