Matthew shared how Jesus was “baptized” and “tempted” by the “devil”, and he shared how “angels” ministered to Him afterward. Jesus heard that John the Baptist was thrown into prison, and He left His hometown to dwell in “Capernaum” where He began His ministry. Jesus began to preach saying, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”, and He called Peter, Andrew, James and John to be His followers. Jesus' fame spread throughout Galilee and many other people were gathered unto Him. Matthew wrote how Jesus taught concerning the “beatitudes” of the “Kingdom of Heaven”, and He said, “You are the salt of the earth: but if the salt has lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is therefore good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. 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. 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. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven”, and in chapter five and verse twenty-one of his book, Matthew began to share examples of how the disciple's righteousness must exceed the “Pharisees” as Jesus said, “you have heard that is was said by them of old time, you shall not kill” where we read:
You have heard that it was said by them of old time, You shall not
kill;
and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
The verse reads, “You have heard that it was said by them of old time, You shall not kill; ...” Matthew began with the words, “you have heard” which means “the disciples' were endowed with the faculty of hearing, not deaf and attended to and considered” “that it was said” which means “there was declaration, utterance and proclamation” “by them” or “through the people” “of old time” which means “that were from a good while ago, the beginning, original, primal and ancient days”, “you shall not kill” which refers to “no one is to kill, slay or commit murder”. Jesus referred to the “ancient” law concerning not “murdering” anyone.
The verse continues, “... and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:” Matthew added the words, “and whosoever” which means “and whatever person whether male or female” “shall kill“ or “will commit murder” “shall be in danger” which means “will be under obligation, subject to and liable” “of the judgment” or “pertaining to the separating, sundering, trial and contest”. Jesus told His disciples that “murderers” will “be under the obligation and liable to” “trial and contest”.
When we meditate upon Matthew's words in this verse, we see how Jesus referred to “those who murder” people and the “judgment” they shall face for their sin. God's law says, “you shall not kill” (Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:17) which means “murder”, and those who violate this law of God will be judged for it. The gravity of what Jesus is saying will be fully realized in His next words, but let us remember that Jesus not only knew the law of God, but He also knew the “judgment” awaiting those who commit it. This is why Jesus came, and His desire is to alter the path that is destined for those who “murder”. May God open the eyes and ears of all who read these words, and may they submit their live to Jesus as they discover what He has to say.
Next time Jesus declares, “whosoever is angry with his brother … is in danger of the judgment”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book
“Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the
marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the
Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms
Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County"
in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com
; http://www.barnesandnobles.com
; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
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