Murder Begins in the Heart
Lenten Devotional Series Day 22. Today’s meditation is on Matthew 5:21-26.
Jesus said, “[21] You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ [22] But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.”
Murder stems from a heart misshapen by anger, false righteousness, and pride. In today’s reading from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus connects the physical act of murder—prohibited by the sixth commandment—to a murderous heart. We were made to love God and one another, but sin took root in our hearts and we became consumed by self-love. Jesus teaches that from God’s perspective, loving ourselves more than someone else is no different from the physical act of murder. By denying someone love we commit spiritual violence. Whenever we regard ourselves as fundamentally better than another, we engage in the spiritual equivalent of taking of the other person’s life. By the words and deeds that flow out of our sinful hearts, we attempt to murder the image of God in one another (James 3:9). Jesus’ message is that for this condition of the heart, too, we will be judged.
Jesus said, “[23] So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, [24] leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. [25] Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. [26] Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.”
Ever merciful, Jesus provides us with a solution to our strained relationships with others and with God: a heart shaped neither by self-righteousness nor pride, but rather by the edicts of the Father. Jesus calls us to seek reconciliation wherever relationships with brothers or sisters are strained (vv. 23-24). Further, he advises us not to wait until a relationship reaches its breaking point, but instead to seek actively to live in harmony with others (v. 25-26). Through these disciplines of love, God reshapes our hearts according to his design and in his image.
By calling us to live in light of God’s design for humanity, Jesus sets the tone and paves the way for a change in heart. He calls us to a higher level of servitude, humility and love, ultimately made possible by his service, his humility and his love at the cross. During Lent, as we reflect on our brokenness and anticipate reconciliation with God as the fruit of Jesus’ finished work on the cross, let’s take time to examine which of our human relationships are in need of restoration.
Today in prayer, begin with the Collect of the Day (below). Ask the Lord whether and whom he might be inviting you to love more fully, perhaps through an apology or an offer of reconciliation. Confess to him any murderous thoughts or deeds, and ask him to heal the wounds which have caused them. Ask him to fill your heart to overflow with love. And for the day ahead, remember the words of our Lord Jesus who said, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35 ESV)
Collect of the Day. Almighty God, look upon the sincere desires of your humble servants, and stretch out the right hand of your majesty to be our defense against every enemy, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.