Jesus told them that unless they were more righteous than their religious leaders, they wouldn’t make it to heaven. This seems impossible. How can we be more righteous than even the most religious person? What was Jesus getting at? Was He talking only about us being righteous, or about us owning our wrongs and making things right?
He points out how it wasn’t good enough to simply not murder:
Matthew 5:22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. 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.
Wow! Big warning: some of the strongest language Jesus speaks in the Bible.
What are we to do when we sin, especially against one another?
Jesus goes on to become even stronger, telling them not to worship God before they make things right.
Matthew 5:23-24 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.
He reminds them that God is the righteous judge and that they had better make things right with those in this life because they would have to answer to God for eternity.
So He says:
Matthew 5:25-26 “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. 26 I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
Have you made things right with others in your life? What is Jesus saying about avoiding, ignoring or delaying your reconciling and/or confessing your wrong and/or asking for forgiveness from others?
He has given no stronger warning in the Bible besides making it right with each other.
When should we make it right with each other?
Right now!
Before we even worship God, and certainly before we meet God.
How can we worship God if we hate our brother?
Jesus is telling us in no uncertain terms. Make it right, right now.
What does it mean to obey Jesus’ teaching today? Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey my commands.” My friend Ken Dyck asked a very challenging question. “What does repentance look like?”
Father, help me see how incredibly important you value our relationships. Help us accept the eternal weight of making things right with with each other. May we hear you on this, and may we not delay. “
