Introduction

I decided not to preach a Father’s Day message per se just because I’d like to keep the momentum going with our series in the Sermon on the Mount. So, men, instead of preaching a feel-good message about how wonderful you are, our series has brought us to a text that addresses 2 issues where many men struggle—anger and peacemaking. And frankly, lots of women do as well (read).

This passage is the 1st of 6 fascinating and convicting paragraphs that extend through the end of Matthew 5. Jesus begins each of them by saying something like he does in v. 21, “You have heard that it was said.” He follows by quoting a statement from the OT Law and(or) a Jewish tradition regarding the Law. Then Jesus responds, “But I say to you,” and he adds his own authoritative instruction as the Messiah who fulfills the Law (v. 17).  

As we saw last week, he doesn’t undermine the OT Law; instead, he builds off it. In particular, he pushes his disciples to pursue a sincere, heart-focused godliness that was generally missing from the Judaism of his day and from most legalistic religion. As v. 20 says, Jesus demands that his disciples pursue a deep-seated righteousness that “exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees.”  

Now, sometimes, we joke that when a preacher begins to press on our sore spots, he’s not preaching anymore; he’s meddling. He’s not supposed to do that! Apparently, Jesus hadn’t heard that one, because he’s going to do some serious “meddling” in Matthew 5:21–48. And that’s good, because pursuing God’s will is always better, even if it is painful.

This begins with vv. 21–26 and especially with the shocking warning with which Jesus begins in vv. 21–22. The first truth Jesus communicates is that…

I.  Vicious anger brings God’s judgment (vv. 21–22).

As he does in all 6 paragraphs, Jesus begins with a contrast between what his audience had already heard and Jesus’ authoritative addition. So, first, it was a well-known fact that…

God condemns murder (v. 21). Jesus looks back to the formation of the nation of Israel at Mt. Sinai, and he recites the 6^th Commandment God delivered “to those of old,” speaking of the wilderness generation, “You shall not murder.”

The Law was very clear that, except in a few exceptional cases like war of self-defense, it is wrong for one person to take the life of another. This Law actually goes back even further than Moses. After Noah got off the Ark, God told him, “Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He made man” (Gen 9:6).

Notice that what makes murder off especially egregious is “the image of God” in man. Therefore, murder, or any other crime against our fellowman, is not just an offense against that person but against God himself.

Therefore, God gives “man” (by which he means human government) the authority to execute murders. Jesus says in our text, “Whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment,” speaking of a human court.

So far, Jesus hasn’t said anything surprising or controversial. Few crimes have been so universally condemned in every culture like murdering the innocent. I doubt that anyone in Jesus’ audience would have disagreed with v. 22. They all would agree that murder is horrible and that murders should face capital punishment. But in v. 22 Jesus makes a very surprising and controversial addition to the 6^th Jesus asserts that…

God condemns vicious anger toward my fellow man (v. 22). Imagine being in the crowd that day. You hear v. 21 and think, “Yes, I got that one! I’ve never murdered anyone.” But then Jesus shocks everyone with v. 22.

You can feel the heaviness among the crowd, because everyone struggles with anger not just violent criminals. But Jesus puts anger on the same level as murder. He just turned up the heat, like 50°! While the basic point is clear enough, we need to walk carefully through the details of what Jesus means.

First, Jesus’ primary concern is broken relationships. This is important, because at first glance, the word that jumps out about vv. 21–26 is anger and justifiably so. But when you look at the paragraph as a whole it’s apparent that Jesus’ primary concern is broken relationships. He mentions anger, because of how it contributes to this facture.

I say this, because v. 22 doesn’t just condemn anger but specifically anger that leads to abusive, demeaning, and divisive words—“Raca” and “You fool!” And vv. 23–26 follow with 2 examples that are focused on restoring broken relationships.

Yes, unrighteous anger is a big problem. It’s scary to think that Ephesians 4:27 says that anger “gives Satan an opportunity.” It makes us unusually susceptible to his attacks. Therefore, I don’t want to downplay the severity of ungodly anger. But Jesus is especially concerned with a vicious anger that destroys people and relationships. 2^nd…

Vicious anger breeds abusive speech. We aren’t entirely sure what “Raca” means. We know it was an Aramaic term and that the root means empty, so as a name it probably meant something like empty-headed. Regardless, v. 22 clearly assumes it was a harsh name to use.

The 2^nd name “You fool” is much more common. The Greek term is moros. We get our word moron from it. Again, Jesus assumes that this name is used out of anger and hatred.

The result is that one of God’s image bearers is belittled and dishonored. That’s why the parallel with murder. Both murder and slanderous speech, do not rightly value other people as made in God’s image. 3^rd…

Jesus especially condemns anger toward fellow disciples. Verse 22 says, “Whoever is anger with his brother…” Of course, vicious attacks are always wrong, no matter who is the target, but it’s especially problematic when we aim those attacks at fellow believers in whom the Spirit dwells.

It contradicts the love of Christ, and it blasphemes his name before the world. No matter who wins the argument, 1 Corinthians 6:7 says, “It is already an utter failure,” when believers destroy their testimony by fighting each other before the world. As a result, notice a 4^th point…

God judges vicious anger. Verse 22 warns about 3 penalties—“danger of the judgment,” “danger of the council,” and “danger of hellfire.” The term used in the 2^nd warning often refers to the Sanhedrin, the highest governing body of the Jews during Christ’s lifetime. But in this context, Jesus is ultimately warning of divine judgment.

Together, these 3 warnings emphasize God’s absolute hatred of vicious speech and the judgment it will bring. Vicious hatred is fundamentally contrary the indwelling Spirit, and it even calls into question whether someone has truly been saved. As a result, Jesus warns that divine judgment possibly even hell itself awaits the angry aggressor.

That’s serious, shocking stuff. Afterall, we oftentimes harbor deep resentment and anger toward others, and we don’t bat an eye, when saying harsh things about them.

If someone challenges us, we are quick to point out that our family always talks that way, everyone does it, or we claim that’s just how God made me (which is nonsense). Slander is one of those respectable sins that you can harbor and still keep your name as a good Christian.

But we need to make sure that Jesus sets our standard, not the world. And we need to feel full force of what Jesus says. Your anger, bitterness, and resentment are no small thing. And harsh, demeaning speech is not a joke either. And don’t ever use the excuse, “That’s not who I am.” Jesus said in Matthew 12:34, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”

And you can’t blame it on the stress at work, being tired, or the chaos at home either. “Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members” (James 4:1)? Again, the problem is with you.

So, notice again the challenge of v. 20. We can be so proud of our external righteousness. We boast that we have NEVER done something so awful as murder. But Jesus demands more. He demands that you rid your heart of vicious anger toward others.

See it for what it is, and I’ll add, see it for how terribly destructive it is. Bitterness destroys like few other things. Don’t tolerate it. If you need help working through it, get it. By God’s grace, let’s pursue a higher righteousness of the heart.

Then in vv. 23–26, Jesus builds off this with two case studies, which both make important points. First, vv. 23–24 teach…

II.  Peacemaking is essential to fellowship with God (vv. 23–24).

These verses use a theoretical scenario to make a very practical point. I want to point out that this scenario is built around the altar at the temple. Jesus is not describing Sunday worship in a NT church.

This is not to say that this scenario doesn’t significantly apply to our worship at church, but it’s important that we are clear about the context so that we can make right application.

It’s also worth remembering that most of Jesus’ audience were Galileans, because Jesus is preaching along the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Therefore, most of his readers lived roughly 80 miles from Jerusalem, which meant that appearing at the temple required a lot of time and other resources.

Therefore, imagine being the guy Jesus mentions. He has spent several days walking and camping on his way to Jerusalem. Once he gets there, he has to wait his turn at the temple. Finally, he is standing before the priest over the altar. What a relief!

But then, he remembers “that his brother has something against him.” We often assume that this man is angry at someone else, but that’s not what Jesus says. Rather, the worshipper has offended someone else. The worshipper has sinned against his brother, and he has never made it right. As a result, he does not have a clear conscience before men.

But surely, that doesn’t mean he is unqualified to worship God, right? Just imagine the excuses this guy has at his disposal. “I traveled all the way from Galilee to Jerusalem.” “I’m right here at the altar.” And “My conflict with this guy over here has nothing to do with my relationship to God.” We all really prefer to keep our faith and these kinds of conflicts in separate boxes.

But Jesus says in v. 24, “Leave…” Jesus says this man is unqualified to worship. It’s such a big deal to God that he must leave his offering at the temple, travel all the way back to Galilee, resolve the offense, and then travel all the way back to the temple and offer his sacrifice once he has a clear conscience before God AND man.

It’s another shocking demand of Jesus. So, what’s the point? First…

Jesus demands that we aggressively pursue peace. Now, I’ll just mention up front that reconciling a broken relationship always requires two parties. There may be times when you do everything in your power to reconcile, but the other party just refuses.

That’s tough. Some of you are grieving over broken relationships with family members or friends. You’ve tried all that you know to do, but the other person refuses to let go of bitterness and resentment.

Unfortunately, I can’t guarantee that the relationship will ever be restored, but thankfully, God sees your heart, and he sees your effort.

I so appreciate the qualifier in Romans 12:18, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” God wants us to pursue peace, but he also understands that it’s not always in our power.

I also want to preface our discussion by saying that peace never takes priority over purity. James 3:17 states, “The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable.” So, if you have to sacrifice purity, either doctrinally or practically, in order to gain peace, sacrifice peace. You can’t sacrifice obedience to Christ and faithfulness in order to gain peace.

But if obedience is not at stake, we must aggressively pursue peace. And we especially must work to make right our wrongs against others. That’s where peacemaking requires a lot of humility, because we generally tend to be much harder on other people than we are on ourselves.

If someone has hurt me, then I really want to have a conversation about it. It’s a big deal, and he needs to apologize! But if someone is mad at me, and if I have hurt them, well, “They just need to get over it. It’s no big deal.”

That attitude might make you feel better in the short-term, but it never leads to reconciliation. I’ve seen over and over in my life and in the lives of others, that peacemaking begins with the humility Jesus describes. I must own my role in the conflict and fall on the sword.

It might be that the other person is responsible for 70% of the conflict. Jesus doesn’t care. You still need to own your 30%, because it’s sin. Humbly confess it to the one you offended and ask for forgiveness.

And don’t procrastinate. When the Spirit points out your sin, as happened to the man in our text, deal with it immediately. Don’t wait for a more convenient time and especially don’t wait for him to confess his sin.

Paul said in Acts 24:16, “I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.” I imagine that right now the Spirit is convicting some of you about offenses that you need to make right. Make it right as soon as possible. Find that person. Don’t make excuses for your sin, and don’t talk about how they sinned. Talk about how you sinned, and ask them to forgive you. I know it’s hard, but Jesus says this is the heart of true religion. Not only that…

Peacemaking is essential to fellowship with God. The clear implication of these verses is that your offense against another person doesn’t just affect that relationship; it affects your relationship to God and your ability to approach him in worship. Jesus tells this person who is standing at the altar to resolve his sin before proceeding with worship.

Therefore, Jesus is clear that you cannot have a clear conscience before God, if you do not have a clear conscience with others. This is an important reminder, because we all like to compartmentalize our lives. We show up on Sundays looking great, with a smile on our faces, and we do lots of ministry. All the while, we are ignoring major relational sins on the side.

Jesus says that God’s not okay with that. He sees everything, and he wants all your heart. When I refuse to submit part of my heart to him, it affects my ability to draw near and enjoy his grace. God cares about how we treat others.

So, as the Spirit prompts you, make your sins right. Go knock on someone’s door, right that letter, or make that call. You may not be sure what to say, but a strong dose of humility and love will go a long way.

And then, Jesus invites you to draw near in worship. Enjoy his presence and grace, knowing that although peacemaking was hard, God sees, and he is pleased. Finally, vv. 25–26 give a 2^nd example, which teaches us to…

III.  Aggressively pursue reconciliation while we have time (vv. 25 –26).

The Scenario: In these verses, Jesus describes a man with an overdue debt. We know that, because v. 26 says he must pay down the debt to “the last penny.” However, because of his negligence, this man is on his way to appear before a judge, who will almost certainly put him in debtor’s prison.

Our government doesn’t put debtors in prison, but it was very common in the ancient world. Unfortunately, it was generally counterproductive for everyone. This is because it’s hard to pay a debt when you are in prison and unable to work. Therefore, the debtor is stuck in prison with no ability to work to pay his debt, the indebted never gets paid.

But in Jesus’s story the debtor meets the indebted on the way to court. He has one of two options. First, he can stand his ground, refuse to seek reconciliation, and foolishly wait to be sent to prison. Or he can humble himself, recognize the coming judgment, and strike a deal that he can reasonably pay. It’s mutually beneficial, and it’s a lot better than the alternative, which is to be stuck in prison “till you have paid the last penny.”

The Point: So what is the point? We need to be cautious about pressing the story too far; rather, we need to stay focused on Jesus’ message in context, which is clearly about reconciliation.

Therefore, Jesus is warning that judgment is coming. God sees every hateful comment, every lie, every word of gossip. And he will hold us accountable for all of it. Therefore, like the man in our story, we have two options.

First, we can pretend like we are in charge, ignore our offenses, and face the Lord’s judgment someday. Or second, we can humble ourselves before God and men and make our offenses right while we still have time. And then face the judgment seat of Christ with joy instead of regret.

Option 2 clearly makes more sense! So, Jesus is urging us to aggressively pursue reconciliation while we still have time. Today is Father’s Day. Maybe you don’t plan to speak with your dad today or you plan to keep him at arm’s length, because of some bitterness between you. Don’t wait until it is too late. Today would be a great day to make things right with your dad.

The same goes for every other broken relationship or unconfessed sin. Maybe the Spirit is bringing something to your mind this morning. Maybe you’ve procrastinated for year, or maybe he’s convicting you for the first time. Regardless, aggressively pursue reconciliation. Today is a great day to mend broken relationships.

Conclusion

This stuff is hard, but God always gives us the grace we need to do the right thing. And it matters. I so appreciate this quote by Grant Obsorne regarding our text, “To be angry or feel contempt for another is to disparage God’s child and, therefore, God himself. We cannot separate relationships with others from our relationship with God.” So, confess your sin to the Lord, and then confess it to your neighbor. Love the Lord by loving your neighbor.