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Matthew 5:21-26

Open It

1. When do you tend to get angry?
2. Why do people murder each other over trivial matters?

Explore It

3. What age-old prohibition was Jesus addressing in this context? (5:21)
4. What was the penalty for violators of this law? (5:21)
5. How did Jesus explain the meaning of the law against murder? (5:22)
6. According to Jesus, what kind of name-calling made one answerable to the Council? (5:22)
7. What kind of angry name-calling puts one in eternal danger? (5:22)
8. What sort of realization did Jesus say should interrupt our worship? (5:23)
9. If a person becomes aware of a relational problem, how quickly should he or she act? (5:24)
10. When is it best to settle disputes? (5:25)
11. Where is it best to settle disputes? (5:25)
12. What bad consequences can occur if a dispute escalates into a full-blown court battle? (5:25-26)

Get It

13. Why did Jesus zero in on the emotions behind violent actions?
14. What attitudes and emotions tend to lead to name-calling?
15. Which of our religious activities would be closely akin to "offering your gifts at the altar"?
16. According to Jesus, how do problems in our relationships with others affect our relationship with God?
17. Why is it necessary to get things right with people before we come to worship God?
18. Why is it preferable for Christians to quietly resolve their differences rather than battle over them publicly?
19. How might Christians be encouraged to reconcile with each other before coming to a Communion service?

Apply It

20. What relational conflict do you need to straighten out today?
21. How can you help yourself remember this week to keep your anger under control?

Killing is a terrible sin, but anger is a great sin too because it also violates God's command to love. It is a dangerous emotion that always threatens to leap out of control, leading to violence, emotional hurt, increased mental stress, and spiritual damage. Anger keeps us from developing a spirit pleasing to God. Self-control is good, but Christ wants us to practice thought-control as well. Jesus said that we will be held accountable even for our attitudes.

Broken relationships can hinder our relationship with God. If we have a problem or grievance with a friend, we should resolve the problem as soon as possible.

It is practical advice to resolve our differences with our enemies before their anger causes more trouble. You may not get into a disagreement that takes you to court, but even small conflicts mend more easily if you try to make peace right away. In a broader sense, these verses advise us to get things right with our brothers and sisters before we have to stand before God.

1. Taken from LESSONMaker © 1992-1996, NavPress Software, Used with permission.

(Back to helps home page)    (Sermon, April 7, 2002)
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