Monday 11th March
Read Matthew 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.” 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, “Raca,” is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, “You fool!” will be in danger of the fire of hell.” (NIVUK)
The true meaning of the law, the deepest fulfilment, of a law about murder can’t possibly be as simple as not going around murdering people (though that would be a good start). It is about considering the value and worth inherent in every human with whom we come in contact, because they are made in God’s image. Anger and contempt are merely symptoms of an attitude that says that I can judge the worth and value of my fellow humans.
True holiness considers every one of worth, just as God does, and doing that would be truly unique and mark us out as a community of believers. It also demands that we live in community with each other. You can’t do holiness up a pole like the ancient hermit ascetics, cut off from humanity. It is not that much easier to do holiness behind cloistered walls, though at its best monastic life was a blessing for the world. Holiness is revealed in the cut-and thrust of daily life, when you deliberately choose not to take offence or get angry at every perceived slight.
Jesus describes a community that uniquely considers everyone of value and worth. More than that, considers everyone of more value and worth than them. It is a community that both expects and welcomes offence but responds with kindness and gentleness and grace. Jesus is not abolishing the law in any way, He is pointing us to its deepest meaning.
