“Thou shalt not kill!”
A popular TV series is “Making a Murderer.” If you haven’t seen it, it’s a documentary about Steven Avery, who served 18 years for attempted murder, then exonerated. But 2 years later he was arrested again for another murder. The story has been surrounded by controversy.
I think murder may be the most universally acknowledged sin in the world. Nobody likes a murderer. It’s easy to hate a murderer like Adolph Hitler or Ted Bundy. But can we recognize a murderer in the mirror?
Sometimes people can get into a discussion about whether the definition of murder would include abortion, capital punishment, or war. All of these involve taking a life, but people do disagree if it’s murder. Though important, this post will not delve into this dialogue.
Rather, I’d like to look at Jesus’ treatment of murder (killing) in the Sermon on the Mount.
Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment. (Matthew 5:21)
The prohibition not to murder was God’s idea from the beginning (Genesis 9:6). Why is murder wrong? Because people are made in the image of God. To take a life is a disrespect to the God in whose image they are made.
Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man. (Genesis 9:6)
But many of the religious people in Jesus day, and in our day, commended themselves for not committing murder. Yet, Jesus revealed other actions that are considered murder.
But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. (Matthew 5:22)
1. Anger
Not all anger is sinful. Even Jesus got angry (John 2:14-17; Matt. 21:12-13). This is a deep-seated, selfish anger. The Greek word Jesus uses (orgizo) means a brooding, simmering anger. Do you hold a grudge against someone or can’t stand to even think about someone?
2. Slander
The Greek word, raca, means empty-head, airhead, idiot, dummy. Do you call people names or put down someone with your words?
3. Condemnation
A ‘fool’ is translation from moros (English ‘moron’). In Greek it is used of one foolish in the moral issues of life. Do you make moral judgments about someone based on your limited knowledge?
Who isn’t guilty of anger, slander, or condemnation? Jesus has just condemned me of murder (killing) because I will admit I am guilty of anger, slander, and condemnation of others. I didn’t physically kill them, but the same emotions and attitudes that lead to murder are the same that lead to anger, slander, and condemnation. Jesus is dealing with our heart. We may not have killed them, but we probably have destroyed their spirit, soul, and reputation.
As much as the sins of anger and hatred affect our relationship with others, they also affect our relationship to God.
Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. (Matthew 5:23-24)
What is more important than our worship of God? Jesus commanded us to interrupt our worship with something more important. Worship is not enhanced by music, prayers, architecture, or preaching as much as better relationships between those who go to church.
First things first! What is most important, our relationship with God or with others? You must settle the problem between you and your brother before you settle it between you and God. If you have not attempted to make peace with others, you will find it difficult to find peace with God.
As a guilty murderer, we need the forgiveness of God. Just as Jesus forgave the thief and murderer beside Him on the cross, He will forgive you and save your soul. Now, go and sin no more. Treat others with kindness. Pray for you enemies and do them good. And by all means, treat others better than yourself. Treat them like Jesus.
You can read my other Sermon on the Mount articles: Life Redefined: Sermons from The Sermon on the Mount.