“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 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.” Matthew 5:21–22
One day while talking with his closest friends, Jesus began teaching about how God wants us to live as his children. He spoke about many different things, like how to live with unbelievers, how to trust in him when we are needy, how to treat our enemies, and many other amazing things.
He also spoke a word about murderers and said something that was rather shocking: murder is not just physically killing someone but it can even be speaking a hurtful word to another. Jesus broadened the definition of “murder” so that everyone would be guilty and no one would feel more righteous than another.
Reflect
- What do you think of these verses?
- When have you said something insulting to someone?
- How can murderers be saved?
Pray
Father, thank you that you can even save murderers like us. Apart from your grace and mercy, we would all be condemned to hell. Thank you, Jesus! Thank you for rescuing us from our sin! Thank you for life! In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
This devotion is adapted from the Ten Commandments Study Guide.
