The Point The Passage The Bible Meets Life The Setting

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The Point Take the lead in resolving conflict.

The Passage Matthew 5:21-26

The Bible Meets Life Road rage. Going postal. Workplace hostility. These are phrases that have entered our common language. While some people run from anger and conflict, others seem to embrace it. Jesus offers a better way to deal with conflict, an approach that is distinct from what we see in the world around us. We don’t need to hide from conflict, but we can appropriately and lovingly work toward reconciliation.

The Setting Having just related that He had not come to destroy God’s law but to fulfill it (vv. 17-20), Jesus then began to give examples of what He meant. He did this by taking several of the Ten Commandments and another highly regarded command and stressing the shortcoming of popular interpretations by emphasizing the underlying intent behind them. The subject of this session is the Sixth Commandment, “Do not murder.”

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What does the Bible say?

Fool (v. 22)—This word comes from the Aramaic term rhaka [RAH kuh]. This insult refers to an emptyheaded person, meaning someone mentally inept. Moron (v. 22)—This word derives from the Greek term moros, and is primarily translated as ”fool” or some variation or related form of that word.

Matthew 5:21-26 (HCSB) 21 “You have heard that it was said to our ancestors, Do not murder, and

whoever murders will be subject to judgment. 22 But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother will be subject

to judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Fool!’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But whoever says, ‘You moron!’ will be subject to hellfire. 23 So if you are offering your gift on the altar, and there you remember

that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled

with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Reach a settlement quickly with your adversary while you’re on the

way with him, or your adversary will hand you over to the judge, the judge to the officer, and you will be thrown into prison. 26 I assure you: You will never get out of there until you have paid the

last penny!”

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THE POINT

Take the lead in resolving conflict.

GET INTO THE STUDY

10 minutes

DISCUSS: Invite your group members to

Notes

turn their attention to the image on page 93 of the Personal Study Guide (PSG). Ask: “When you have regretted settling for a quick fix?” ACTIVITY (OPTIONAL): Using duct tape, repair a broken chair or small table. Bring this to class and invite a group member to test it out. When doubt surfaces, ask questions to get at the heart

TIP: Names are important. Don’t be afraid to ask for names of guests and regular attendees and use them often. When people are addressed by name, they feel valued.

of the hesitation. Usually, “quick fixes” only help temporarily before the item is unusable again. Until the item is fixed correctly, it may not function as it should. RECAP THE PSG (PAGE 94): Imagine coming onto the scene of an auto accident. Two cars are completely twisted around each other; you think to yourself, There’s no way anyone survived this. But then you see someone sitting in the back of the ambulance. He’s alive, but you can tell something is terribly wrong. He winces in pain every time he moves. The last thing you’d expect the paramedic to do is place a Band-Aid® on the man’s elbow, slap him on the back, and say, “You’re good to go, buddy.” What?!?! Just because you don’t see an injury on the surface doesn’t mean something critical isn’t going on deep inside. In other words, you don’t put a Band-Aid on internal hemorrhaging. SAY: “As Jesus continued to teach through His Sermon on the Mount, He came to the subject of anger. When we fail to look at the heart behind the anger, we are treating deep, internal issues with surface-level Band-Aids.” GUIDE: Call the group’s attention to The Point on page 94 of the PSG: “Take the lead in resolving conflict.” PRAY: Transition into the Bible study by pausing to pray for group members who may

Use Pack Item #10 with the optional activity found on page 124.

be in a fractured relationship. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE © 2015 LifeWay

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10 minutes

STUDY THE BIBLE Matthew 5:21-22

Notes 21

“You have heard that it was said to our ancestors, Do not murder, and

whoever murders will be subject to judgment. 22 But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Fool!’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But whoever says, ‘You moron!’ will be subject to hellfire.“ READ: Ask a group member to read aloud Matthew 5:21-22. ALTERNATE QUESTION: How can we keep anger from leading to sin and lasting bitterness?

DISCUSS: Question 2 on page 96 of the PSG: “What’s your initial reaction to these verses?” RECAP THE PSG (PAGE 96): In these verses, Jesus took a law the people knew very well and took it to a different level. The Commandment they knew was a prohibition against taking someone’s life (Exodus 20:13). That’s easy enough to grasp. But Jesus wasn’t content to settle for the physical act of murder; the deeper issue is the anger we feel in our hearts. SUMMARIZE: Jesus helps us see that anger is not something that happens to us; it’s a choice we make. ]]

It’s not always wrong to be angry. At times Jesus Himself became righteously angry (Mark 3:1-5 and John 2:13-16).

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If we push past the circumstances, we’ll discover the true reason we get angry is because we feel that our rights have been violated. I should be treated better. I deserve more. The truth is, our anger stems from a deeply held sense of entitlement.

TRANSITION: Jesus’ interpretation of the Commandment against murder includes anyone caught in a vicious cycle of anger. In the next verses, He explains what we’re to do when we find ourselves in this situation.

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THE POINT

Take the lead in resolving conflict.

Matthew 5:21-22 Commentary Avoid anger. Verse 21: In Matthew 5:17-20, Jesus had declared His intention was not to destroy or abolish the Law and the Prophets, but to fulfill them. In verses 21-48 He demonstrated what that fulfillment looks like with respect to six Commandments. Each example begins by restating the traditional teaching, introduced with “You have heard that it was said to our ancestors” or some variation. The traditional teaching is followed by Jesus’ own explanation, the true intention of the teaching, introduced with “But I tell you,” and concluding with a realistic way His followers could fulfill God’s true intention. In verse 21, Jesus referred to the Sixth Commandment (from Exodus 20:13 and Deuteronomy 5:17), prohibiting murder: “You have heard that it was said to our ancestors, Do not murder.” The word used is not a general word for killing that might include war or capital punishment. Jesus did not intend this as a general prohibition against killing under any circumstances. Instead, Jesus used a specific term for murder that referred to the deliberate and illegal taking of a human life. Verse 22: Jesus introduced His interpretation with the words, “But I tell you.” Jesus’ explanation does not contradict, abolish, or revoke the original Commandment. Jesus did, however, go beyond the literal act of murder to the realm of motives and intentions which underlie the act of murder in most instances. Rather than beginning with the outward act of taking another life, Jesus began with the inward attitude of anger: “Everyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.” Jesus then moved on to warning against name-calling: “And whoever says to his brother, ‘Fool!’” Jesus used the Aramaic term rhaka. The word is a term of insult, meaning “empty-headed” or “idiot.” Ultimately, Jesus issued a warning against insulting your brother or sister in Christ. He warned that such a person would be subject to the Sanhedrin, the ruling council in Jewish life. This body exercised judicial authority and dispensed punishment with the exception of capital punishment (John 18:31), which was a right reserved by Rome. Jesus issued a third warning, this time against anyone who would say to another, “You moron!” This word is a transliteration of the Greek term moros, and is frequently translated “fool” or some variation of that word. It is a similar to the term rhaka in the previous line and expresses contempt. Jesus’ interpretation of the Commandment against murder expands to include any person caught in a vicious anger cycle that leads toward violence. Not only does the action escalate, so does the judgment. First is the reference to generic judgment (vv. 21-22), then the more specific reference to the Sanhedrin (v. 22). In this final example of Jesus, the consequence has been raised to “hellfire.”

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10 minutes

STUDY THE BIBLE Matthew 5:23-24

Notes 23

“So if you are offering your gift on the altar, and there you remember that

your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift.“ READ: Ask a group member to read aloud Matthew 5:23-24. RECAP THE PSG (PAGE 97): Jesus calls us to restore a relationship. In fact, reconciliation takes priority even over worship. Jesus told his listeners to leave their gifts on the altar, go and be reconciled with fellow believers, and then return to offer the gifts. SUMMARIZE: How can we proactively seek reconciliation in the face of conflict? ]]

Honesty. Be willing to hear—and tell—the truth. Keep this in mind: the truth isn’t meant to be a hammer to use to beat the other person over the head.

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Humility. Most of the time, both sides have things they need to acknowledge and apologize for. In order to do both—to receive an apology and give one—you must have a humble heart.

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Security. When you are secure and confident in your relationship with Jesus, you can apologize. A person’s response to your apology or attempt to reconcile cannot change your secure relationship in Christ.

ALTERNATE QUESTION: How do we apply these verses to our modern experiences of worship?

DISCUSS: Question 3 on page 97 of the PSG: “Reconciliation requires honesty, humility, and security. Which is the most challenging to you?” DO: Divide your members into groups of three or four people each. Instruct each small group to complete the activity on page 98 of the PSG together. Confront Conflict: What steps can be taken to resolve conflict in these scenarios? Choose one. ]]

A coworker took credit for your idea, and was widely recognized throughout the company for it.

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A good friend proved untrustworthy with things you shared in confidence.

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An acquaintance started a rumor that is damaging your reputation.

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THE POINT

Take the lead in resolving conflict.

Matthew 5:23-24 Commentary Seek reconciliation. Verses 23-24: Rather than a person being trapped in a vicious cycle that begins with anger and ends in violence, Jesus offered a better way. Jesus provided realistic, transforming actions that would break the brutal cycle. He utilized an everyday situation of a worshiper at the alter preparing to make a sacrifice. While the situation sounds foreign to Christians today, Jesus’ Jewish audience would have recognized the scenario immediately since the sacrificial system was in full swing during Jesus’ ministry. It was an everyday occurrence for Jewish worshipers to offer animal or meal offerings as a means of reconciliation with God. If a person was in the process of making the offering and realized that a brother or sister had a complaint or grudge against them, Jesus insisted that the person stop and immediately go and make things right. Thus, Jesus maintained the need to make reconciliation with a brother or sister in Christ before attempting to seek reconciliation with God or making an offering. After making things right with others, only then could the act of worship continue. Perhaps this is an extension of Jesus’ insistence that mercy is greater than sacrifice (Jesus quoted from the Hosea 6:6 reference in both Matthew 9:13 and 12:7). Interestingly, Jesus left the situation ambiguous with respect to who was at fault. He said if you are at the altar and “you remember that your brother has something against you,” you must take action, you must take the initiative to “be reconciled with your brother.” Even when we are not responsible for the conflict, if another person feels wronged or holds a grudge against us, then we are responsible to seek reconciliation. The priority is to be reconciled. Restored relationships between believers please God and are signs to outsiders that our faith has transformed us. In the context of a restored relationship, there is no room for anger and insults. Since we cannot control other people’s actions, we cannot guarantee we can come to right relations with everyone, but we can diligently try. Paul wrote “If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18).

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10 minutes

STUDY THE BIBLE Matthew 5:25-26

Notes

25

“Reach a settlement quickly with your adversary while you’re on the way

with him, or your adversary will hand you over to the judge, the judge to the officer, and you will be thrown into prison. 26 I assure you: You will never get out of there until you have paid the last penny!” READ: Ask a group member to read aloud Matthew 5:25-26. SUMMARIZE: Jesus commanded us not to put off reconciliation; instead, we are to settle and resolve differences quickly. ALTERNATE QUESTION: How would you summarize Jesus’ teaching in these verses?

DISCUSS: Question 4 on page 98 of the PSG: “What are the consequences of allowing a conflict to fester?” SUMMARIZE: We see at least two reasons why resolution should be quick. 1. Earlier is easier. The earlier individuals can face and discuss their differences, the easier it will be for them to reach a resolution. Problems between people don’t get better with time; they get worse. 2. Unity is important. Resolution demands urgency because unity is vitally important among God’s people. Just before He was arrested, Jesus prayed for all His followers, past and present; He specifically mentioned unity (John 17). DISCUSS: Question 5 on page 99 of the PSG: “What are some steps we can take to pursue peace and resolve differences?” (Note: Encourage your group members to get very practical when answering this question. Make sure the discussion includes: praying for the person, clearly stating what is wrong, and being open to learning as part of the conversation.) ACTIVITY (OPTIONAL): Bring your group’s attention to Pack Item #10, “Unity” poster. Divide group members into small groups of three or four people, then ask: “Do you agree or disagree with the statement? Explain.” SUMMARIZE: The church is made up of people of all different nationalities, races, backgrounds, and socioeconomic levels. How can they coexist together? Their unity in Christ is powerful enough to overcome all their differences. The unity of the church points to the power of the gospel.

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THE POINT

Take the lead in resolving conflict.

Matthew 5:25-26 Commentary Resolve differences. Verses 25-26: In order to demonstrate further the better way to deal with anger and conflict, Jesus offered a second illustration, this time involving legal proceedings. If your adversary intends to bring you before a judge, do everything within your power to make things right before the judicial proceedings begin. In just a few verses, Jesus would mention the possibility of someone dragging one of His followers to court in order to take that person’s shirt or tunic, an inner garment. In such a case, Jesus commanded that His follower should give the person his or her outer garment as well (see Matthew 5:40). In both sayings it is clear that in legal proceedings things were not likely to go in favor of the largely powerless group of individuals who made up Jesus’ followers. Thus, Jesus called on His disciples to do everything possible to be reconciled with others before the situation spiraled out of control. In Matthew 5:21-26, Jesus revealed what fulfillment of the Law and Prophets looked like. It was not enough to say, “I have not murdered.” Such a plea might allow a person to escape a human judge or court, but not God. In the kingdom that Jesus came to proclaim, it is not sufficient to merely punish those who have committed crimes. Rather, in the kingdom of God the emphasis is on prevention, God’s true intention. God’s desire is that His people live in harmony with one another. There is a difference between harmony and the mere absence of outward, open conflict. This is why Jesus declared in the Beatitudes: “The peacemakers are blessed, for they will be called sons of God” (v. 9). Never are we more like our heavenly Father than when we actively and lovingly work toward reconciliation in our own relationships as well as in the lives of those we influence. It is not that God acted to provide reconciliation to human beings who were trying hard to please God or to follow God’s will. On the contrary, it was while we were hostile toward God that He acted to reconcile us to Himself. God, the one offended, initiated making peace with humankind, the offenders. But it is not enough that we be reconciled to Him ourselves. In light of what God has done for us, we are now to serve as God’s agents of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). While it is true that reconciliation with God is not based on our work as agents of reconciliation, it is also true that the only proper response to the grace God demonstrated to us while we were yet hostile to God is for us to work toward reconciliation at all times and in every way—reconciliation of ourselves to others, of others to God, and of others with one another. We are to take the lead in resolving conflict.

Read the article “Please Don’t Send Me to Prison!” in the Winter 2015-2016 issue of Biblical Illustrator. Previous Biblical Illustrator articles “Raca: The Meaning” (Winter 2008-2009), “‘You Have Heard It Said’ Jewish Laws Behind Jesus’ Teachings” (Fall 2007), “Laws Behind Jesus’ Teaching” (Winter 1996), and “Aramaic in the New Testament” (Winter 1988) relate to this lesson and can be purchased, along with other articles for this quarter, at www.lifeway.com/ biblicalillustrator. Look for Bundles: Bible Studies for Life. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE © 2015 LifeWay

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5 minutes

LIVE IT OUT SAY: “Anger is a big deal. It’s more than a natural reaction to frustration; it’s more than mere emotion. Anger is an issue of the heart. Like all other parts of ourselves,

Notes

anger should be brought under the rule of Jesus.” GUIDE: Lead your group members to consider the responses to the Bible study listed on page 100 of the PSG. ]]

Take control of your anger. What situation is likely to make you angry this week? Prepare your heart and mind to respond appropriately before you ever step into that situation.

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Say I’m sorry. Look for a chance to say “I’m sorry” this week without qualification. Humble yourself before Christ and the other person, and say those two words that can bring healing.

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Seek reconciliation. Examine your relationships, past and present. Is there someone you still need to seek to reconcile with? If so, don’t wait any longer. Seek to honor Christ in the process of reconciliation.

Wrap It Up SAY: “Let the words of Jesus sink in. Don’t put a Band-Aid on internal hemorrhaging. Look deeper to find the real source of your anger, and reset the fracture so that you can heal.”

Grow with other group leaders at the Groups Ministry blog (lifeway.com/groupministry).

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