Bible Passage: “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…” (Matthew 5:21-22)
Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:21-48
When my children were younger, one of the first chores ever assigned was weeding the garden.
The hardest part about teaching them this particular chore was that the easiest way to do it (simply breaking off the stems and throwing the weed away) was not the best way to do it, as the stems would simply regrow.
To do the job right, weeds needed to be pulled out by their roots—harder, but more effective.
Jesus knows this when it comes to weeds, and even more when it comes to a man’s heart.
In this next section of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus talks about multiple areas of God’s Law relating to murder, adultery, divorce, oath-breaking, justice, and enemies.
On each point, He follows a pattern of referencing the Law (“You have heard it said…”) and then clarifying and even re-adjusting its application (“But I tell you…”).
As the ultimate Lawgiver and Judge, Jesus is using His authority to properly interpret and direct how these laws are meant to function in the Upside-Down Kingdom.
And in every example, Jesus takes things so much further than simply following a moral law.
Not murdering is great, but also, get the anger out of your heart.
Avoiding adultery is good, but avoiding lust is more important.
Divorce happens, but it’s not how God designed marriage.
Keeping oaths is less important than living with so much integrity that people take you at your word.
“Eye for an eye” may be just, but turning the other cheek is better.
And hating your enemies is natural, but loving your enemies is what sets you apart from others and shows the world that you belong to God.
In each example, Jesus proclaims the Law but takes it further. He moves us beyond simply obeying rules and calls us to be men whose very hearts are being transformed from within—at the root.
Sin flows from the heart, so when the heart is made new, our external actions will follow. Get the heart right, and righteousness is the result.
So, godly men give Jesus their heart and ask Him to transform it by His Word and His Spirit until we are men who love righteousness as much as He does at our core.
This Kingdom is not about simply following a list of rules. It’s about being transformed into men who hunger for righteousness and pursue it every day.
Prayer: Lord, I pray that You make my heart completely new. I don’t want to simply follow rules; I want to be a man who loves Your righteousness. Tear my sin out from the root; transform me from the inside out, that my actions may follow my renewed heart. Amen.
Reflection: How has God transformed you in your life? What led to the transformation? Where do you need to seek Him for more transformation?
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