Matthew 5:21-22
21 “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.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment…
Whether it was a to-do list or items we need from the grocery store, we’ve all made a checklist before. As we complete our tasks or find our items, we “check” or strikethrough what is accomplished or in the cart.
ApplesBananasCereal- Milk
I thought about a checklist as I read the words of Jesus about anger and murder. The scribes and the Pharisees, those keepers of the law during Jesus’ day, restricted the understanding of this verse (and others) to a very basic, black-and-white understanding of the text—to actual murder, homicide, taking someone’s life. That was checking the box, did you commit actual murder today? No, I did not. CHECK…Ok, good job. Now onto the next box…
You can almost hear the questions of “Really? That’s it? You think you’ve accomplished something good for the world and good for the Kingdom of God by simply not committing a heinous act of violence?”
Jesus deepens the demands of the law. He’s saying take it further. Take it further. Take it deeper into the heart of God’s command. As we talked about on Sunday, we should include our thoughts, words, deeds, anger, and insults as well.
Jesus calls us to be different. He calls us to be salt and light. He calls us to be life-givers who see others as image bearers of God; each and every one of them. Jesus calls us to breathe life into each other as believers and breathe hope into a broken world searching for a Savior. Are you going to breathe life into people this week or take it away? Let’s go beyond checking boxes and breathe life.
Prayer: God, help us breathe life into all those we meet this week. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Grace and peace,
Aaron
pastoraaronhinton@gmail.com
(704) 300-0081