OUR FATHER SENT HIS SON TO DO AND TO TEACH

In Mathew chapter verses 21 - 24, the Lord Jesus escalates the subject of righteouness to illustrate that sin and evil stems from inside us and the attitudes we foster.

21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

Jesus, in this passage, speaking of the law against murder and the judgement of death that comes from it, tells us that harbouring anger against a brother or sister is subject to judgement. 

Whereas the traditional law held that actual murder was subject to penalty and did not hold anyone to account for their thoughts and words against those around them, the higher standards of Jesus's kingdom holds that cultivating angry thoughts and speaking derogatory words towards one's brothers and sisters can make one subject to judgement in the court of heaven and could, if left to fester indefinitely, potentially lead to  hell.

The life of the kingdom of heaven, which is a spiritual kingdom, enforces a high standard of righteous behaviour that includes the behaviour of the soul and spirit and not just the acts done physically in the body.

Amen.

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