Deep Dive into Murder in the Heart and Peace at the Altar: Jesus’ Exposition of the Sixth Commandment (Matthew 5:21 –26)

Jesus’ exposition of the Sixth Commandment (Matthew 5:21 –26) radically redefines the nature of righteousness, demanding a standard that profoundly exceeds the external conformity practiced by the scribes and Pharisees. This kingdom righteousness moves beyond mere avoidance of physical homicide to condemn internal sins, which Jesus calls "heart-murder."

The command is fulfilled not by drawing a line at visible acts, but by recognizing that the moral law is a window into the heart and judges motives, not just behaviors. Jesus declares that everyone who harbors sinful anger—defined as a settled, self-centered, vengeful disposition—is liable to judgment, classifying them as a murderer in principle. This internal attitude flows into contemptuous speech, exemplified by insults like "Raca" ("empty-head") and "You fool!", which Jesus condemns as the "verbal execution of another’s worth." These offenses are worthy of the severest divine scrutiny, placing them under the threat of "the hell of fire."

Furthermore, surpassing righteousness requires the positive demand of urgent reconciliation. Jesus makes active peacemaking a necessary precondition for acceptable worship. He commands the worshiper to interrupt even the most solemn act—offering a gift at the altar—and to "First be reconciled to your brother." This ensures that genuine devotion to God is inseparable from a sincere pursuit of peace with one's neighbor, guarding against hypocrisy.

The urgency is underscored by the image of settling quickly with an accuser before standing before the Judge, who symbolizes God in the "moment of final reckoning." Failure to reconcile in this life invites the thoroughness and irrevocability of divine judgment, symbolized by being imprisoned until one has paid "the last penny." Therefore, Jesus demands a costly, countercultural life that reflects a transformed heart dedicated to active peacemaking.

Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologian

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