Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount”. . . Matthew 5:21–26
“Anger, Reconciliation, and the Urgency of Peace”
In this section of his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus talks about murder and anger. He goes beyond the physical act of murder, teaching that anger, insulting a brother or sister, or calling someone a “fool” is also subject to God's judgment. He emphasizes that the sin of murder begins in the heart with contempt and anger.
Matthew 5:21–26 begins the first of Jesus’ six “You have heard … but I say to you” illustrations. It presses the commandment against murder beyond the outward act and into the heart, speech, and relationships — making it especially fitting for practical study among us believers today.
This first example illustrates what Jesus meant when he said that his disciples’ righteousness must surpass that of the Pharisees and teachers of the law (5:20). It’s possible for a person never to commit murder and yet still nourish the anger, contempt, and resentment from which violence grows. Jesus therefore directs attention beyond the question, “Have I broken the command outwardly?” and asks whether the heart has been changed by the righteous rule of God.
The Old Testament laws about murder, adultery, and divorce reveal God’s wisdom concerning both the dignity of human beings and the desires that drive human behavior. Jesus teaches that righteousness means seeing all people as image-bearers of God and treating them with dignity. Learn how Jesus explains three biblical laws by confronting the desires that drive behavior. Here you can watch an exceptional video clip from BibleProject titled “Why Jesus Connected Anger with Murder and Lust with Adultery” (8 minutes). This video’s stated theme closely fits the passage: Jesus addresses the heart-level desires beneath anger, lust, and divorce.
Having shown that true righteousness must exceed the outward righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees (5:20), Jesus now addresses the sixth commandment: “You shall not murder.” He doesn’t weaken that command; he reveals its searching depth. Murder is the final, terrible fruit of a heart that’s indulged anger, contempt, and hostility. The kingdom righteousness of Jesus therefore calls his disciples not merely to avoid violence, but to deal honestly and urgently with broken relationships. The passage moves from the anger concealed within us, to the words spoken from us, and finally to the reconciliation required of us.
The Heart Behind Murder (5:21–22)
“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 his brother will be subject. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell” (vv. 21–22, NIV).
Jesus begins with the command his hearers already knew: “You shall not murder.” Murder is a grievous sin, and the law rightly held the murderer accountable to judgment. Yet the religious leaders could be content if they’d never physically taken another person’s life. In their thinking, they’d kept the commandment.
“But I tell you” introduces Jesus’ authoritative exposition of the law. He exposes the sinful root from which murder grows: unrighteous anger. A person who nurses bitterness, resents a brother or sister, or allows wrath to settle in his heart may never commit murder outwardly, but he’s embraced the same spirit of hostility that despises another person made in the image of God.
Jesus also addresses contemptuous speech. Terms such as “Raca” (explained here) and “fool” weren’t harmless expressions of momentary frustration; they conveyed scorn and the deliberate belittling of another person. Anger often seeks an outlet through the tongue. A man may never raise his hand in violence, but he may wound his wife, child, coworker, fellow believer, or neighbor through cutting words meant to diminish and humiliate. “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” (Proverbs 12:18, NIV). “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1, NIV).
Jesus’ severe language doesn’t mean that every feeling of anger is automatically identical to murder. Scripture records righteous anger, and Jesus himself was angered by hardened unbelief and religious corruption. The issue here is sinful anger — anger that’s cherished, self-centered, contemptuous, and unwilling to forgive. Such anger is serious because God sees the heart, not merely the outward act. The question isn’t whether anger ever rises within us, but whether we surrender it to God or allow it to become a settled disposition that speaks with contempt, seeks revenge, and refuses reconciliation.
Reconciliation Before Religious Activity (5:23–24)
Jesus then gives a striking illustration. A worshiper has come to present an offering at the altar, yet he remembers that his brother or sister has something against him. Jesus says, “First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.”
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled tom your brother; then come and offer your gift” (vv. 23–24, NIV).
The point isn’t that worship is unimportant. Worship is vitally important. Rather, Jesus teaches that worship cannot be separated from the way we treat people. That is, a man cannot claim to honor god while knowingly refusing to address a wrong he’s committed against another person. Reconciliation doesn’t earn God’s favor, but a reconciled heart is the fitting fruit of one who seeks to worship him sincerely.
Notice that Jesus places responsibility on the worshiper even when he remembers that the other person “has something against” him. We’re often tempted to say, “If he is offended, he should come to me,” or “She misunderstood what I meant.” Jesus calls his disciples to take the initiative. If we’ve wronged someone, contributed to an offense, or allowed a breach to remain, we should humbly seek peace.
This requires courage. It may mean admitting that we were wrong, asking forgiveness without excuses, listening rather than defending ourselves, or making restitution where possible. We can’t control whether another person receives our effort well, but we’re responsible to pursue peace sincerely and promptly. Pursuing reconciliation doesn’t mean denying truth, ignoring serious harm, or placing oneself back into an unsafe situation. It means taking responsibility for one’s own words and actions, seeking forgiveness where it’s needed, and doing all that’s possible — so far as it depends on us — to live at peace with others.
Make Peace Without Delay (5:25–26)
Jesus follows with a legal picture: “Settle matters quickly with your adversary.” If a dispute has reached the point of legal action, wisdom calls for a prompt settlement before the matter becomes more severe. Once the adversary hands a person over to the judge, the consequences may become unavoidable and costly.
“Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny” (vv. 25–26, NIV).
The illustration emphasizes urgency. Hostility rarely stays small. Bitterness deepens, harsh words multiply, positions harden, and relationships become more difficult to restore. What might have been resolved through a humble conversation can become a lasting division. Jesus teaches his followers not to wait until conflict reaches its worst stage. Seek peace while there’s still opportunity.
These verses shouldn’t be reduced to a mere lesson in avoiding lawsuits or unpleasant consequences. The larger concern is the condition of the heart as God sees it. Men of the kingdom don’t cultivate enemies, savor grudges, or delay repentance. They understand that unresolved anger can imprison the soul long before any outward consequence appears.
Application message: The command “You shall not murder” reaches farther than our hands; it reaches into our hearts, our mouths, and our relationships. A man may appear respectable because he’s never committed an outward act of violence, yet still harbor anger, contempt, and bitterness that dishonor God and injure others.
Ask yourself: Is there someone toward whom I’ve been carrying resentment? Have my words been harsh, demeaning, or needlessly cutting? Is there a person from whom I need to seek forgiveness, make amends, or pursue reconciliation?
The first step toward peace may be simpler than we imagine, though it’s seldom easy. Begin by asking God to search your heart. If you’ve sinned, name your wrong plainly rather than explaining it away. Ask forgiveness without adding excuses, listen humbly to the person you’ve hurt, and seek to make things right wherever you can. Reconciliation may take time, but repentance shouldn’t be postponed.
Jesus calls us to act without delay. Don’t wait for the other person to make the first move. Don’t excuse a bitter spirit as personality, stress, or righteous concern. Bring your anger into the light before God, repent of contemptuous words, and take the next faithful step toward peace. A man who walks with Jesus learns that genuine worship and genuine reconciliation belong together.
Personal response: This week, where do I need to bring my heart honestly before God, receive his help and forgiveness, and take a concrete step toward purity and faithfulness?
- Q. 1 Is there anger, resentment, or a grudge that you’ve allowed to remain in your heart rather than bringing it honestly before God?
- Q. 2 Have your words toward a spouse, another family member, fellow believer, coworker, or another person communicated contempt rather than grace? What repentance or apology may be needed?
- Q. 3 Is there someone with whom you need to pursue reconciliation? What specific, timely, and humble step might you take this week to seek peace?
- Q. 4 When conflict arises, what habits most often keep you from taking the first humble step toward peace: pride, fear, self-justification, the desire to be proven right, or something else? Just wondering.
Are you ready to take Warren’s 25-question Sermon on the Mount quiz? Answers with Bible references are included with your grade.
† Watch this video of chapter 5 created by Jesus Film Project (vv. 1–48; 8 minutes).