What is the meaning of Matthew 5:21-26?

Matthew 5:21-26 is a passage from the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus teaches about the deeper righteousness expected of His followers, surpassing that of the scribes and Pharisees. This section specifically addresses the topic of anger, reconciliation, and the true spirit of the commandment against murder. To understand its meaning, we must delve into the context, the content, and the broader implications of Jesus' teaching.

Context and Content

The passage reads:

"You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.' But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire. So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny." (Matthew 5:21-26, ESV)

The Deeper Righteousness

Jesus begins with a familiar commandment: "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13). This commandment is one of the Ten Commandments, well-known to His Jewish audience. However, Jesus expands the commandment's scope by addressing the underlying attitudes and emotions that lead to such extreme actions. He emphasizes that harboring anger and contempt is also subject to divine judgment.

By stating, "But I say to you," Jesus asserts His authority to interpret the law in a way that reveals its full intent. He teaches that the righteousness required by God goes beyond mere external compliance with the law; it involves the transformation of the heart. Anger, insults, and contempt are seen as violations of the spirit of the law against murder because they devalue human life and dignity.

Anger and Insults

Jesus categorizes anger and insults as serious moral failures. He mentions three escalating scenarios:

1. Anger: "Everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment." This implies that even internal feelings of anger are subject to divine scrutiny. Anger can fester and lead to destructive actions, and thus it is not to be taken lightly.

2. Insults: "Whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council." The term "insults" here translates the Aramaic term "Raca," which means "empty-headed" or "worthless." Such demeaning language reflects a heart that despises others.

3. Contempt: "Whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire." The word "fool" (Greek: "moros") implies moral and spiritual worthlessness. To call someone a fool is to judge them as utterly devoid of value in God's sight.

Jesus underscores that these attitudes are not mere social faux pas but serious offenses against God's command to love and respect others. They disrupt the community and alienate individuals from one another and from God.

Reconciliation Over Ritual

Jesus then transitions to the importance of reconciliation. He presents a scenario where someone remembers, while offering a gift at the altar, that a brother has something against them. The instruction is clear: leave the gift, seek reconciliation, then return to offer the gift. This teaching emphasizes that right relationships with others are paramount to worship.

The act of offering a gift at the altar was a significant religious duty in Jewish worship. However, Jesus teaches that reconciliation takes precedence over ritual. The horizontal relationships among people must be in harmony for the vertical relationship with God to be genuine. This principle echoes the prophetic writings, such as in Isaiah 1:11-17 and Amos 5:21-24, where God expresses displeasure with ritualistic worship devoid of justice and righteousness.

Settling Disputes Quickly

The final part of the passage advises settling disputes quickly to avoid severe consequences. Jesus uses the imagery of an accuser and a debtor being taken to court. The urgency in resolving conflicts is highlighted to prevent escalation that could lead to judgment and punishment.

This advice is practical and spiritual. Practically, it avoids the legal ramifications and potential imprisonment. Spiritually, it underscores the importance of living in peace and harmony with others. Holding onto grudges or unresolved conflicts can lead to spiritual imprisonment, where bitterness and resentment hinder one's relationship with God and others.

Broader Implications

Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:21-26 has profound implications for Christian ethics and community life. It calls believers to a higher standard of righteousness that goes beyond external adherence to laws. It challenges them to examine their hearts and attitudes, cultivating love, respect, and reconciliation.

Heart Transformation

The emphasis on internal attitudes over external actions points to the necessity of heart transformation. The prophet Ezekiel spoke of a time when God would give His people a new heart and spirit (Ezekiel 36:26). Jesus' teaching aligns with this promise, indicating that true righteousness flows from a transformed heart, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Community Harmony

The call to reconciliation underscores the importance of community harmony. The early church, as depicted in Acts, exemplified this principle. They devoted themselves to fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42-47). Maintaining unity and resolving conflicts were vital for the church's witness and growth.

Reflecting God's Character

Jesus' teaching also reflects the character of God, who is slow to anger, abounding in love, and quick to forgive (Psalm 103:8). As God's children, believers are called to mirror these attributes in their interactions with others. By doing so, they bear witness to God's transforming power and His kingdom values.

Conclusion

Matthew 5:21-26 is a powerful reminder of the depth and breadth of Jesus' call to righteousness. It challenges believers to go beyond the letter of the law and embrace its spirit, which values life, seeks reconciliation, and prioritizes heart transformation. In a world often marked by anger and division, this teaching remains profoundly relevant, calling Christians to be agents of peace and reconciliation, reflecting the heart of God to a watching world.