The Law and the Prophets (Part 2b)
We are to be discovering and following God’s will, to hunger and thirst for righteousness, living in a Christlike manner.
Jesus gave a new outlook and understanding that is meant to move us beyond following set regulations, the “don’t do this or that” mentality, and toward living according to the principles that underpin the Law as set out in His teachings.
The goal is not to follow a set of rules which will make us good and pleasing to God. The true goal is to be in relationship with Him, to live for His glory. The question isn’t whether we’re mechanically following a specific set of rules, but whether we are being Christlike, and whether our inner life is synchronized with what He has taught. We may not have committed murder, but have our hearts and thoughts been full of anger and contempt? If they are, then we are sinning.
Jesus used the six examples to help His followers move beyond Law-keeping and have a deeper understanding of the principles behind the original Law. He was creating a new people of God, those who would live within the kingdom or reign of God, who would go beyond finding righteousness in obedience to a set of rules and would focus on aligning themselves with the spirit and intent of God’s Law.
Let’s take an even closer look at the first example:
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.6
The Old Testament (the Hebrew Scriptures) contains the commandment not to commit murder and declares the penalty of death for those who do. You shall not murder.7 Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.8 The book of Numbers9 defines murder by giving examples: striking another human with a fatal blow with an iron object, a stone, a wooden object, or a fist, or intentionally shoving or throwing something at a person so that the person dies. The person who commits the intentional act of murder, after being properly tried and judged guilty, was to be put to death by “the avenger of blood.”10 The book of Numbers also differentiates between intentional murder and manslaughter, where one kills another without premeditation or intent.11 A person who committed manslaughter would be protected from the avenger of blood by going to one of the cities of refuge.12
Most contemporary Bible translations render the verse as You shall not murder.The King James translates it as Thou shalt not kill. Murder is a more accurate translation, as it differentiates from accidental killing, killing in self-defense or in defending another, killing in war, etc.
6 Matthew 5:21–26.
7 Exodus 20:13. Also Deuteronomy 5:17.
8 Genesis 9:5–6.
9 Numbers 35:16–21.
10 McKnight, Sermon on the Mount, 77.
11 If he pushed him suddenly without enmity, or hurled anything on him without lying in wait or used a stone that could cause death, and without seeing him dropped it on him, so that he died, though he was not his enemy and did not seek his harm … (Numbers 35:22–23).
12 Numbers 35:23–29.
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