A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW     

AN INTRODUCTION TO MATTHEW 5:21-48 

Matthew 5:21-22 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister, will be subject to judgment.” 

(Today’s devotional thoughts are drawn from Professor Jeff Gibb’s commentary on Matthew 1:1-11:1, specifically pages 276-279) 

Jesus’ words in this section of the Sermon on the Mount is addressing these words to those who follow Him. He is applying the words of His sermon to set standards of spiritual greatness for disciples who have received the blessings of the reign of heaven through faith in Him.   

As you meditate daily on these words of Jesus, Gibbs reminds you, Jesus begins this section with the words, “But I myself am saying (this) to you. . .” Some have said that Jesus is saying He has new teachings that will replace those of the Old Testament. This is not at all what Jesus is saying, says Gibbs. Instead, Jesus is presenting in His teaching the true intention of the Law of Moses. He is presenting nothing new. He is drilling down to be sure that His followers understand and believe every word that God speaks to His people. He is reinforcing His words of Matthew 5:18, “ . . . not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.”   

Jesus, in this section, is cleaning up the interpretations and applications of Moses’ writings (the Torah) by the Pharisees and Scribes and other religious leaders of their day. We know the crowds that heard what Jesus taught said, “For He was teaching them with the conviction that He had authority, and not as their scribes [taught.]” (Matthew 7:29) These verses (21-48) are not a presentation of case law. Jesus does not attempt to cover every possible sin that sinful human beings commit. To fully understand what Jesus is saying in this part of the sermon, His words must be qualified by what He taught as recorded in other sections of the Holy Scriptures.   

Finally, Gibbs concludes, “ . . . (you) cannot abuse Jesus’ teachings in 5:21-48) by taking it literalistically or legalistically, making it into something that our Lord never intended it to be . . .” God bless you as you read the next series of devotions with these thoughts in mind. 

Prayer. Holy Spirit, help me each day I read and meditate upon these verses found in Matthew 5:21-48 that I take to heart the points being made by Jesus. In His holy name. Amen. 

Lord, keep us steadfast in Your word;   
Curb those who by deceit or sword  
Would wrest the kingdom from Your Son  
And bring to naught all He has done. 

Lord Jesus Christ, Your pow’r make known;  
For You are Lord of lords alone;  
Defend Your holy Church that we  
May sing Your praise eternally. 

O Comforter of priceless worth,  
Send peace and unity on earth;  
Support us in our final strife   
And lead us out of death to life.  (LSB 655)