Term 2 – Week 03
Big Idea – Followers of Jesus remember God takes our anger really seriously. (It has no place in the Kingdom of God.)
Matthew 5:9,21-26
Outcomes
- To know that God takes anger really seriously, because it shows contempt towards God in the heart.
- To understand that living God’s way involves controlling our anger, making peace with those we have wronged.
Implications
- Belief – We all know murder is wrong and is a capital offense. But do we really take anger just as seriously?
- Behaviour – Identify ways in which our anger can be manifested in our speech and actions. Practically what can we do to seek reconciliation with people we have wronged or made upset. Is this hard to do?
Introduction
Jesus cuts straight to the heart in his instruction on Kingdom living. Living God’s way in this world, is not just about our actions and behaviours but also about our attitudes and motives behind our actions and behaviours. This is what matters to God.
Jesus says to his disciples, quoting from the 10 Commandments in Exodus 20:13, “You have heard what was said to people who lived long ago. They were told, ‘Do not commit murder. Anyone who murders will be judged for it” (v.21), well this is still true, because Jesus came to fulfil the law not abolish (Matt 5:17). But Jesus’ teaching goes further than the prohibition of murder, it goes to the root cause of the murder and looks to the heart. Jesus outlines three offenses of which he strongly disapproves. First, anger. Jesus says, “Do not be angry with a brother or sister. Anyone who is angry with them will be judged” (v.22a). Second, words of abuse and scorn. Jesus says, “Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ must stand trial in court” (v.22b). Third, slander. Jesus says, “And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire in hell” (v.23b). All these offenses are very serious to God because they betray an attitude of contempt against God. Anyone who is angry enough to utter these derogatory words, is guilty enough to go into the fire of hell! Therefore, because God takes anger so seriously, followers of Jesus are not only called to control their anger/temper, but they must seek to not provoke or arouse another person’s anger and seek reconciliation. If a person is worshipping God and they realise they’ve provoked another person to anger, then they must immediately stop what they are doing and seek reconciliation with their brother. He must take whatever steps are needed to restore harmony and only when this is done may he come back and resume his offering (vv.23-24). Jesus says, the act of sacrifice is not as important as the spirit in which it is done.[1] Or if, a person is taking you to court then try and seek reconciliation out of court before the proceedings begin. Don’t let bad relationships remain unresolved, because says Jesus, “What I’m about to tell you is true. You will not get out until you have paid the very last penny!” That is, judgment is upon those whose earthly relationships which do not conform to the values of the Kingdom of God (vv.25-26).
[1] Leon Morris, ‘The Gospel According to Matthew’, The Pillar NT Commentary, (Inter-Varsity Press: Leicester, England, 1992),
Memory Verse
Matthew 22:37- 40 (NIrV)
Jesus replied, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Love him with all your mind.’ This is the first and most important commandment. And the second is like it. ‘Love your neighbour as you love yourself.’ Everything that is written in the Law and the Prophets is based on these two commandments.”
Songs
Living 4 Jesus – Quizworx – YouTube
Leaders PDF
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