In the remainder of this chapter, Jesus emphasizes that God cares about what we are on the INSIDE much more that what we are on the OUTSIDE. The Pharisees were scrupulous to keep the law of the Old Testament (and more), but this did not make them right with God. The teaching that Jesus is about to give places emphasis on the spirit and intent of the law and the motive behind our actions.
The first illustration Jesus gives is about murder. Perhaps we, like the Pharisees, can feel pretty good about this one. After all, we have not committed murder! But notice was Jesus says, "But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment." Of course, murder is a terrible sin, but then, according to Jesus, so is anger! "Anger in this case refers to a seething, brooking bitterness against someone. 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. Have you ever been proud that you didn't strike out and say what was really on your mind? 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." (from Life Application Study Bible, p. 1328) We see in vv. 23-24 that we can't even worship God properly when we are not right with others.
How is it even possible to live up this standard and the others that will follow? Well, to be honest, we can't. And that's just the point. We must depend TOTALLY on God for the wisdom and strength to even come close to His standards! But remember that the Holy Spirit Himself lives within us as believers. He will gently remind and guide us. He won't shout, but speaks in a still, small voice through our conscience. And then don't forget that God has left His Word to be our daily guide and comfort. We must not neglect it! Let us meditate on it and be constantly growing so that throughout our lives we become more like Jesus.
For meditation:
Proverbs 2:1-11
My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,
2 turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding—
3 indeed, if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
4 and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He holds success in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
8 for he guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones.
and store up my commands within you,
2 turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding—
3 indeed, if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
4 and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He holds success in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
8 for he guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones.
9 Then you will understand what is right and just
and fair—every good path.
10 For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
11 Discretion will protect you,
and understanding will guard you.
and fair—every good path.
10 For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
11 Discretion will protect you,
and understanding will guard you.
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