Welcome:

Last week we saw how Jesus rightly interpreted the Law of God regarding adultery, divorce, and making oaths. In our last sermon we saw that all three of these laws were really about pursuing an integrity of the heart, not merely exterior obedience. Today, we’ll continue our journey through Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount by looking at Matthew 5:21–26, where Jesus continues to reveal the proper interpretation of God’s Law by addressing the topics of murder, anger, and hatred. As we will see, Christ shows us, as citizens of God’s Kingdom, how we’re called to set a different example for the world around us.

Before we open God’s Word, I’d also like to continue our weekly practice of praying for one of our sister churches in Goochland County. Scripture calls us to lift each other up, and I believe our Kingdom work is so much stronger when we see each other as partners rather than competitors. This week, we specifically want to remember Calvary Chapel Goochland and Pastor David Clark in our prayers. Let’s prepare our hearts to receive what God has for us today, and also unite in prayer for our brothers and sisters at Calvary Chapel Goochland.

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, we come before You with open hearts, ready to hear Your truth. Your Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, and we ask that You would speak to us today in a way that transforms us.  We also pray for Calvary Chapel Goochland and Pastor David Clark. Strengthen them, Lord. May their worship be filled with Your presence, their teaching be rooted in truth, and their love for their community reflect the heart of Jesus. Lord, search our hearts today. Where there is anger, bring healing. Where there is division, bring reconciliation. Where we need to change, give us the courage to surrender to You. May Your Spirit move in this place, shaping us into the people You have called us to be. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer. Amen.

Scripture Reading: 

Matthew 5:21-26 (ESV)

“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.”

Introduction: The Call to a Higher Righteousness 

I want you to imagine standing before God, believing you have lived a good and righteous life, only to hear Him say, "You have obeyed the letter of the law, but your heart has remained far from Me." Personally, I could not imagine a more horrible fate, and sadly this is a reality that some will awaken to on the day of judgment. 

In our passage this morning, Jesus is not speaking to the obviously wicked, the openly sinful, or the lawbreakers of society. No, He is speaking to those who believe they are righteous. To those who have never committed murder, who have never taken a life, who have obeyed the commandment, “You shall not murder” (Exod. 20:13; Deut. 5:17), and believe they have done well.  

But Jesus goes beyond the external act to reveal something deeper. He reveals that sin does not begin with the hands; it begins in the heart. The Pharisees taught that as long as you refrained from the act of murder, you were innocent. But Jesus says, "I say to you, everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment" (Matt. 5:22). He shows us that anger, hatred, and contempt are not lesser sins but the very root of murder itself.  

Here, Jesus is not abolishing the law. Rather, He is fulfilling it. He is calling His followers to a righteousness that surpasses the scribes and Pharisees (Matt. 5:20), a righteousness that is not satisfied with outward obedience but demands inward transformation. He is reminding us that holiness is not just about avoiding sin, it is about having a heart that is pure before God.  

This is the challenge. This is the invitation. Jesus is taking the old law and revealing its deeper, truer meaning, calling us beyond mere obedience to the kind of heart that reflects the very love and holiness of God.

The Law and Jesus’ Higher Standard (Matthew 5:21-22)  

Let us begin with a simple truth: “murder is evil.” No one would argue otherwise. From the earliest days of humanity, when Cain struck down his brother Abel, the shedding of innocent blood has been condemned. And so, when God delivered His law to Moses, one of the foundational commands was this:  “You shall not murder.” (Exodus 20:13)  

This commandment was clear, direct, and absolute. Life is sacred because it comes from God, and to take a life unjustly was to defy the Creator Himself. The law of Moses made this even more explicit: “Whoever strikes a man so that he dies shall be put to death.” (Exodus 21:12)  

The Pharisees and religious leaders of Jesus’ day understood this commandment in the narrowest sense possible, they believed that as long as they had never physically taken a life, they were innocent. They measured righteousness only by external actions. If your hands were clean of blood, then your heart was of no concern.  

But then, Jesus declares, “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.” 

Do you see what He is doing? Jesus does not contradict the law. He fulfills it. He is not setting aside Moses; He is restoring God’s original intent. He is showing us that sin does not begin with the hands, it begins in the heart.  

You may never have lifted a weapon against another person, but if you have harbored anger, you are guilty before God.  You may have never committed murder, but if you have spoken words of contempt, you are in danger of judgment. You may have never taken an innocent life, but if you have looked at another person with hatred, Jesus says you have already planted the seed of murder within you.  

This is a startling truth! Imagine the reaction of the crowd that day. The Pharisees stood confident in their own righteousness, yet Jesus declares that anger, insults, and contempt are just as worthy of judgment as the act of murder itself. 

Why? Because murder does not appear out of nowhere. It begins as a thought. A resentment. A grudge. A quiet seething in the soul. Left unchecked, it festers, it grows, it takes root, and before long, it manifests in words, actions, and even violence.  

The Dangers of Unchecked Anger  

Jesus gives three escalating warnings. First, "Whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment."  Second, "Whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca’ will be liable to the council." Third, "Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire."  Do you see how it builds? It begins with anger, that silent rage in the heart. Then it moves to contempt, verbal insults that strip another of their dignity. And finally, it leads to dehumanization, viewing a person as worthless, unredeemable, undeserving of love.  

This is how hatred grows. This is how wars begin. This is how racism, oppression, and violence take hold of a society. It all begins in the heart. This is why James writes: “With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.” (James 3:9-10)  

Every time we insult another, we insult someone made in God’s image. Every time we hold onto bitterness, we allow murderous intent to take root in our soul. Jesus is not merely giving us a lesson on morality. He is showing us the path to true righteousness. A righteousness that is not merely about what we do, but about who we are.  

Notice that Jesus does not simply warn against anger. He connects it to judgment. Anger leads to earthly judgment. Contempt leads to accountability before the council (a reference to the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish court). Dehumanization leads to the fire of Gehenna. Gehenna was literally a garbage dump where trash and refuge were thrown in and burned up. It was a symbol of final divine punishment.  Jesus is showing us that no sin is insignificant in the eyes of God. The smallest seed of anger, if left unchecked, can lead to eternal consequences.  

So what is the solution? The world tells us to hold onto our anger, to demand punishment, to refuse forgiveness. But Jesus calls us to something greater. Later in this passage, Jesus will tell us that reconciliation is more important than worship. That forgiveness is more important than holding onto a grudge. That peace is more important than proving we are right. And why? Because this is the heart of God.  

God is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love (Exod. 34:6). Christ, when He was insulted and mocked, did not retaliate but entrusted Himself to the Father (1 Pet. 2:23). On the cross, as men crucified Him, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).  

As imitators of Christ, this is our call. To not only avoid murder, but to purge our hearts of hatred. To not only refrain from evil, but to actively pursue reconciliation. So I ask you today: Is there anger in your heart that you have refused to surrender? Is there a grudge you have held onto for too long? Is there a relationship that needs healing, a word that needs to be spoken, a sin that needs to be confessed?  

Jesus is calling us to something greater. To a righteousness that does not just appear holy on the outside, but is transformed from within.  Because in Christ, old things pass away and behold, all things are made new.  

The Path to Reconciliation (Matthew 5:23-24)  

We have seen the devastating effects of anger and contempt. We have learned that these are not minor flaws but deep-rooted sins that poison relationships and separate us from God. Now thankfully Jesus does not just diagnose the problem. He also provides the solution. That solution is reconciliation.  

Jesus does not merely tell us to avoid anger. He calls us to pursue peace. He does not just say, “Do not hate your brother.” He commands us to go and make things right. And here, in Matthew 5:23-24, He gives us a radical teaching that challenges our pride, tests our humility, and redefines the meaning of true worship.  

Imagine a devout Jew traveling to the temple in Jerusalem to offer a sacrifice. He has journeyed for days, carrying his gift, preparing his heart to worship. He finally reaches the altar, ready to present his offering before God. But in that moment, he remembers there is someone back home who has something against him. There is unresolved conflict, an offense that has not been made right. Jesus says, stop. Leave your gift at the altar and go. Make peace first, then return and offer your worship.  

This is a shocking command. In Jewish tradition, offering a sacrifice at the temple was one of the highest acts of devotion. But Jesus is saying that reconciliation takes precedence even over worship. God does not want our gifts if our hearts are not right. He does not desire our songs and prayers if we are at war with our brother. He does not accept sacrifice when our souls are filled with bitterness. True worship is not just about bringing something to God, it is about being right with one another.  

This truth echoes throughout Scripture. In Leviticus 19:17, God commands, “You shall not hate your brother in your heart.” In Isaiah 1, He rebukes Israel’s sacrifices, saying He takes no delight in their burnt offerings because they neglect justice and mercy. In 1 Samuel 15:22, the prophet declares that obedience is better than sacrifice. Over and over again, God makes it clear that worship is empty if it is not accompanied by righteousness.  

Jesus’ command is even more challenging because He says, “If your brother has something against you.” He does not say, “If you have something against your brother.” This changes everything. We might be tempted to say, “I didn’t do anything wrong,” or “They should come to me,” or “I’m waiting for them to apologize.” But Jesus removes every excuse. He does not tell us to wait. He tells us to go.  

Paul echoes this in Romans 12:18 when he writes, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” In other words, we must do everything within our power to restore peace. Even if we were only partly wrong, we should go and make things right. Even if they have not apologized, we should take the first step. Even if we feel justified in our anger, we must seek reconciliation. 

I want to issue a caveat here. I have never seen more anger and hatred in my lifetime than I see in the realm of politics these days. It has deeply troubled my soul. I’m not talking about politicians either. I’m talking about the way we as Christian citizens feel no conviction about the way we talk to and about those who do not share our political convictions. Now please don’t twist my words or misunderstand me. I am not saying be a-political. We have a vote and a voice, and as citizens I believe we should promote the common good and work to constrain evil in our land. 

What I am saying is that when people disagree, even if they hate us first, we do not have permission from our King to hate them in return. You can be angered at injustice and fight for justice, but you do not have permission to hate the unjust, the wicked, or even those who empower them. Hear the words of Jesus: 

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 4:43-48, ESV)

If that bothers you, pray hard for your own heart to be softened. Make no mistake, anything less is disobedience to Christs. Anything less is sin. We ignore this clear command of King Jesus at our own peril. 

You might be tempted to ask, doesn’t that let evil get away with evil? The answer is no. God establishes earthly governments to punish evil and promote justice here and now. If you are called to serve as a police officer, a lawmaker, or a judge then you should do your job knowing that you will give an account to God for how you stewarded your authority. However, even if our institutions of justice fail us we know that no one escapes ultimate justice on the day of judgment.  As the Apostle Paul reminds us, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19, ESV).

Reconciliation is not about who is more guilty. It is about who is more willing to follow Christ’s example. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:31-32 that we are to put away all bitterness, wrath, and anger and instead be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving, just as God in Christ forgave us. We cannot hold onto anger and at the same time receive the grace of God. If we truly love God, we will love our neighbor. If we truly desire to honor Him, we will humble ourselves and seek peace.  

Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:23-24 reveal an important truth: worship is not rejected, but it is put on hold until reconciliation is pursued. The altar remains open, but God is more concerned with the state of our heart than the size of our offering. Our prayers are hindered when we hold onto anger. Our service is meaningless when we refuse to forgive. We cannot be right with God while refusing to be right with others.  

This means we must act. Is there someone you have wronged? Go and make it right. Is there someone who has something against you? Go and seek peace. Is there a relationship in your life that has been broken for too long? Take the first step. Do not wait. Do not delay. Jesus says, go. God desires a heart free from anger more than hands full of offerings. True worship is not just about what we give to God; it is about how we love one another. In Christ, old things pass away, and all things are made new. 

The Urgency of Peacemaking (Matthew 5:25-26)  

We have seen that true worship is impossible when relationships remain broken. Now, Jesus presses the point further, teaching us that peacemaking is not just important. It is urgent. Time is not on our side when it comes to conflict. The longer we wait to resolve our disputes, the more they grow, the more damage they cause, and the more difficult they become to repair. Jesus warns us that delayed reconciliation carries serious consequences, both in our earthly relationships and in our standing before God.  

To make this clear, He gives us another powerful illustration. In Matthew 5:25-26, Jesus paints the picture of a man being taken to court by his accuser. The case has been set, the legal process is underway, and if nothing is done, judgment is inevitable. But Jesus interrupts the scene with a command: “Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court.” In other words, make peace before it’s too late.  

Jesus speaks in terms of a legal dispute, but His point extends far beyond the courtroom. Whether in financial matters or personal relationships, unresolved disputes do not resolve themselves. They escalate.  Anyone who has ever let a misunderstanding fester knows this to be true. A small offense, when ignored, turns into a deep wound. A minor disagreement, when left unresolved, can break a friendship. A moment of anger, when replayed over and over again, can harden into lifelong bitterness. This is why Paul urges in Romans 14:19, “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” Peace requires effort. It does not happen by accident. And the longer we delay, the harder it becomes. 

In Jesus’ illustration, the man on his way to court has a choice. He can hold on to his pride, refuse to settle, and let the judge decide his fate. Or, he can humble himself, seek reconciliation, and avoid the penalty that awaits him. The lesson is clear: fix the problem before it reaches the judge. Do not let anger drag you further down the road toward destruction. Settle things quickly: before bitterness takes root, before resentment builds, before the consequences become unavoidable.  

Notice what Jesus says: “Come to terms quickly with your accuser.” Some versions translated this as “Reach agreement,” “Reconcile,” or even “Make friends.”  Regardless of your translation, this does not mean to compromise truth or to give in to injustice. It means to approach conflict with a spirit of humility and grace, seeking resolution more than victory. As a pastor, one of the reasons I struggle to lose weight is because I have to swallow so much pride on a daily basis. Disagreements are inevitable, but when we disagree we should ask ourselves what are we prioritizing. Do we want to honor God, restore our brother/sister, or do we want to win and preserve our pride? 

The attitude we bring to a conflict often determines its outcome. When we come with anger, we fuel the fire. When we come with pride, we make reconciliation impossible. But when we come with a willingness to listen, a readiness to forgive, and a heart that seeks peace, walls begin to crumble.   

But what happens when reconciliation is ignored? Jesus warns us what the outcome will be. The conflict in his parable begins with an accusation, but when no effort is made to settle it, the case goes before the judge. The judge rules, the officer enforces the sentence, and the person is thrown into prison until the last penny is paid.  

In ancient times, debtors were often imprisoned until their debt was fully satisfied. There was no way out except for the full payment. In the same way, Jesus warns that anger, bitterness, and unresolved sin can imprison the soul. The longer we allow conflict to go unresolved, the more it controls us, the heavier the burden becomes, and the greater the price we will have to pay.  

Some early Church Fathers saw an even deeper meaning in this passage. Jerome, a great fourth century Christian writer, suggested that the "accuser" in Jesus’ illustration could represent the Holy Spirit or even our own conscience, pleading with us to make things right before it is too late. Likewise Origen, a disciple of John the Apostle, took this even further, warning that the phrase “while you are on the way” is a reference to our time on earth. Once we stand before the divine Judge, there is no negotiating, no second chances. The time to make peace is now.  

It is a scary thought, but God gives us righteous fear to lead us to repentance and restoration while there is still time. We make a mistake if we think Jesus’ teaching here is only about avoiding earthly lawsuits or settling financial debts. This is about the spiritual urgency of reconciliation. When we hold onto anger, we place ourselves on a path toward judgment. The longer we resist making things right, the harder our hearts become. And just like the debtor who finds himself in prison, we may discover too late that the cost of unforgiveness is more than we can afford to pay.  

This is why Jesus says, “Come to terms quickly.” Do not let pride hold you back. Do not assume time will heal the wound. Do not wait for the other person to make the first move. The sooner you seek peace, the sooner you will be free.  

Conclusion:

As we bring this sermon to a close, we need to remember the message at the heart of all of this. Jesus is teaching us that, if we want to be truly righteous, we must go beyond avoiding outward sins and allow God to transform our inner lives. Jesus does not merely call us to live without hatred; He commands us to actively pursue love and reconciliation. Just as God, through Christ, reconciled us to Himself, we are called to be peacemakers in our own relationships. So, what does this mean for us today? Is there someone in your life with whom you need to make peace? Is there a relationship that has been strained for too long? Is there an unresolved offense that weighs on your heart? Jesus says, do not delay. Go now. Seek reconciliation while you still can.