A Word Concerning Murder Series

A Word Concerning Murder

Matthew 5: 21-26

In our text today, Jesus continued to emphasize the righteous standard that God expects and requires of humanity to have fellowship with Him. Here our Lord continued to point out man’s misguided perception of righteousness and He again rebukes the self-righteous attitude that men possess, supposedly living lives that honor God.

We have come to the first of six illustrations that Jesus used to address the misguided thoughts of men. In each of these illustrations He mentioned what they had heard of old, in essence addressing their skewed perception of what God actually said. To each of those, Jesus offered a true interpretation, revealing how we ought to view and respond to them.

We have dealt with the portion of the Sermon on the Mount that deals with murder. We know that killing another is wrong, but Jesus expands the realm of accountability for murder beyond what most, even in our day, perceive as murderous. (I will have to admit that these were very troubling verses for me as a child. I have enjoyed looking at them in depth and I hope to help us obtain a better understanding of the truth contained in these verses.) I want to consider the principles revealed in the passage as we think about: A Word Concerning Murder.

I. The Commandment Rehearsed (21) – Here Jesus speaks of the 6th commandment: thou shalt not kill. Let’s take a moment to consider the thoughts of Jesus. Notice:

A. The Precept (21a) – Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill. Jesus offered a reminder of the Commandments of God. This was something that all of the Jews were aware of; they knew God did not condone or approve of murder, the taking of an innocent life. Jesus does not question or detract from that great commandment. In fact, He emphasizes the importance and value of it. As we will discover in a moment, He even seeks to expand their perception of what constitutes murder.

As I considered the words of our Lord, I was reminded of the need for God’s Word to be expounded and men need to see themselves accountable to His Word. We live in a society that has forgotten and even ignore this great command. I don’t have hard numbers to share, but consider the countless thousands upon thousands that are murdered each year through genocide, vicious crime, and pure hatred or malice. Not to mention the thousands of innocent babies that are murdered within the supposed safety of the mother’s womb right here in America. Our world has produced a society that has little value for human life. Regardless of the perception or appreciation humanity has for human life, God has commanded that we are not to kill. He ordained and created life and no man has the right to take that life.

B. The Penalty (21b) – and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment. The prophets of old warned of the dangers involved in murder. This was a serious crime in the eyes of God. Many times in Scripture the Lord declares those who are guilty of murder shall be put to death. We discover that 6 times in Num.35. Sinning against the Lord brings judgment and murder is no exception. This was a crime that was dealt with in the most serious manner. It has been a blight upon humanity since the first of God’s creation as Cain killed his brother Able, both the sons of Adam.

I think most of us would agree that murder is one of the most serious offenses one could commit and should be dealt with swiftly and sternly. I know there is a lot of debate concerning capital punishment in our day. I have no way of knowing where each of you stand on that issue, but God has said in His Word that the murderer shall be put to death. Gen.9:6 – Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.

We live in an age that affords the offender more rights than the victim in many cases, but one day justice will be served. God will judge sin in the lives of the unrepentant, including murder.

II. The Caution Revealed (22) – Here Jesus revealed that He knows what the Bible teaches and He knows what they have been taught, but He takes it a step further. Murder as we know it is sinful and will face judgment, but Jesus reveals that other actions are in the same category as murder and will face judgment as well. He speaks of:

A. The Danger of the Temper (22a) – But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. The inability to control our temper and becoming angry with our brother also faces judgment. Surely, we agree that murder is wrong and worthy of judgment, but what about our temper? I am not saying that God will judge a man whose temper got the best of him the same way He will a murderer, but Jesus speaks of the dangers of a quick and unrestrained temper. Typically, this is the first stage in the process that leads to an action like murder. We must guard ourselves against anger and a quick temper.