Matthew Lesson 6 Day 3
Matthew 5:21-30
Murder and adultery (and all other types of sin) begin in our hearts.
While blasting the Pharisees for multiplying the outward works required to keep the Law, Jesus expands the definition of sin to include what’s hidden in our hearts.
He isn’t against Moses, Jesus’ problem is with the “false and superficial interpretations of Moses.”1
6a) Don’t murder
Jesus points to the heart issue behind the motive to commit murder, not just the act of murder itself.
The scribes and Pharisees restricted God’s command regarding murder.
You have heard it said: Jesus’ audience didn’t have a copy of the written law to study. They only knew what they heard from the teachers of their day.
Jesus holds us to a higher standard explaining the original intent of the law. If we hate our brother or sister, we are still in darkness and walk in darkness (1 John 2:11).
He isn’t saying that hating someone is the same thing as murder, but hate and anger reveal the same heart problem that causes someone to commit murder. When we hold onto hatred, we “are the children of the devil.” (1 John 3:10-15).
Anger and hatred give birth to evil thoughts and if left unchecked, lead us down a path toward gossip, slander, or worse. The path leads to a wasted life instead of the fulfillment of our destiny.
b) Forgive and reconcile
Rather than merely restraining our hands from committing a violent act, we should repent, forgive, and if possible, reconcile with our brother or sister in the faith.
Loving one another goes beyond forgiveness and reconciliation to the point of denying ourselves—laying down our lives for one another and sharing our worldly goods.
c) Application
In Matthew 18:21-35, Jesus taught about forgiveness. Peter asked Jesus, “how many times do I have to forgive a believer who wrongs me? Seven times?” Jesus answered, “Not just seven times, but seventy times seven.”
How many times has my heavenly Father forgiven me? He has forgiven all of it and doesn’t go around telling others about it.
“Put up with each other, and forgive each other if anyone has a complaint. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13 NOG8
7a) Don’t commit adultery.
Jesus said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
Jesus again relates what’s going on in our hearts, lust, as the sin that can manifest as the act of adultery. So, in fact, we are just as guilty as if we engaged in physical infidelity.
The sinful acts we imagine cause great harm to us and our spouses.
b) Verses 29-30
Some take these verses literally, but Jesus’ point is that the desire to sin begins in our hearts. Bruce wrote, “Mutilation will not serve the purpose; it may prevent the outward act, but it will not extinguish desire.”1
If we cut off one part of the body, it could cause death. He wants us to separate from anything that is leading us astray.
The Greek word often translated hell is Gehenna.
Gehenna, or the valley of Hinnom, is an actual valley in the city of Jerusalem. In Israel’s past, it was used as a place of child sacrifice. From the reign of Josiah onward, it was used as a garbage dump where the fires burned the refuse continuously. (BlueLetterBible.org emphasis added)
A place of burning sewage and garbage outside of Jerusalem. A disgustingly filthy place to look at and to smell.
“For Topheth [a place of burning and abomination] has already been laid out and long ago prepared; yes, for the [Assyrian] king and [the god] Molech it has been made ready, its pyre made deep and large, with fire and much wood; the breath of the Lord, like a stream of brimstone, kindles it.
1 Corinthians 3:11-16 —to the fellowship of believers in Corinth.
“11 After all, no one can lay any other foundation than the one that is already laid, and that foundation is Yeshua Christ. 12People may build on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw. 13The day will make what each one does clearly visible because fire will reveal it. That fire will determine what kind of work each person has done. 14If what a person has built survives, he will receive a reward. 15If his work is burned up, he will suffer the loss. However, he will be saved, though it will be like going through a fire.
16Don’t you know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?” NOG8
I think Jesus’ point was this: Our focus should be on missing our destiny and our reward, not fear of punishment.
c) Don’t meditate on dishonorable, impure, unjust, or reprehensible stuff.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8
When you are about to present a gift at the altar, and you remember your brother has a grievance against you,
- leave your gift at the altar,
- go and make peace with your brother,
- then go back and present your offering.
Put pride aside; reconcile with man, then go to God.
The importance of timing
The point is, don’t delay. When we remember our brother has a grievance against us, it’s likely the Holy Spirit reminded us.
It’s similar to the verse about husbands showing consideration to their wives so that their prayers are not hindered. 1 Peter 3:7
8) Personal application
We are responsible for maintaining good relationships with others. We must forgive from our hearts without keeping records. If we are merciful, we will receive mercy. If we forgive, we will receive forgiveness.
Jesus understands.
“No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
We are under grace.
“For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.” Romans 6:14
Jesus wants to help.
“For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.” Hebrews 2:18
“… the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation” 2 Peter 2:9a
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RESOURCES
1 EnduringWord.com used by written permission.
2 AWM Living Commentary used by written permission.
3 Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations from *The ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®) copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
4 Strong’s Concordance, public domain.
5 *Spirit Filled Life Bible®copyright © 1991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. (The Holy Bible, New King James Bible) copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
6 Ellicott’s Commentary, public domain.
7 Barnes’ Notes on the Bible, public domain.
8 The Names of God Bible (without notes) © 2011 by Baker Publishing Group.
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My answers, research, and notes for BSF Bible Study Fellowship questions Matthew Lesson 6 Day 3
