*Matthew 5:17-30
Jesus teaches a higher standard of righteousness than the law of Moses, focusing on the law, anger and adultery.
- Fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets
- Jesus asserts that He came not to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them.
- He emphasizes the importance of righteousness, stating that unless one’s righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, they will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
- This implies a deeper understanding of the law beyond mere observance.
- Anger and Reconciliation
- Jesus addresses the commandment against murder, stating that being angry with a brother or sister without cause is subject to judgment.
- He emphasizes the urgency of reconciliation, suggesting that one should reconcile with their adversary before presenting an offering at the altar.
- Lust and Adultery
- Jesus expands on the commandment against adultery, stating that looking at someone with lustful intent is akin to committing adultery in one’s heart.
- He advocates drastic measures to avoid temptation, suggesting that it would be better to lose a body part that causes sin than to allow the whole body to be cast into hell.
5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
5:21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
5:23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 5:24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
5:26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
5:27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
5:30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.