I  Introduction

In the person of Jesus, the kingdom of God has drawn near (Matthew 4:17). He is the long-promised King prophesied in the Old Testament and with his arrival he is inaugurating the new covenant, bringing an end to the old.

As we sit at his feet to learn from him, we remember that he is teaching us how to live as citizens of the kingdom in light of his coming. Not the way in, but the habits and patterns of those who belong. Our attitudes towards God (Matthew 5:3-6), our involvement in this world (Matthew 5:7-16), Jesus is giving us a blueprint for godly living as well as a testimony of the changes he wants to work in our lives.

And where his interpretations and explanations are different from what we might be used to, different from that of the scribes and Pharisees, that is not because he is rejecting God’s law but fulfilling what was promised (Matthew 5:17-18). He is completing and revealing the true purpose of the law and the prophets, correcting faulty interpretations along the way.

Thus far, we have been told about some general attitudes and actions that ought to mark God’s people and today we move on to specifics, particularly the sixth commandment: You shall not murder.

II Murder begins in the heart

• Explain: What is a likely reason for why Jesus’ exposition of God’s law begins with the sixth commandment?

• Explain/Apply: Give some examples of ways in which people like to pretend that they keep the sixth commandment/look down on those who have murdered and are in prison.

• Explain: What does Jesus say about the depth of the commandment? What kind of hatred/anger leads to murder?

• Explain: Is there a righteous anger in Scripture?

• Explain: Is our anger typically righteous or unrighteous?

• Explain: Does Jesus add to the law in his explanation? What is the standard for life in God’s kingdom?

• Explain: Why do Christians aspire to be perfect as God our Father is perfect?

• Explain: What has Jesus done to make us perfect in the sight of God the Father?

• Explain: What is the good news that Jesus gives to murderers?

III  Kingdom citizens pursue reconciliation

• Explain: What will Jesus do about our anger problem?

• Explain: What is the focus of the two examples that Jesus gives?

• Explain: What is the change in attitude that Jesus wants to see from his followers?

• Explain/Apply: How does Jesus want us to treat people?

• Explain/Apply: Why might the changes that Jesus will bring intimidate and scare us?

• Explain/Apply: How is Jesus going to change our desires to make us willing to obey him and seek reconciliation with those whom we have wronged?

IV Concluding prayer

Heavenly Father,

We thank you for the work of our Saviour and King. We marvel at his love for us despite our sin. We rejoice at his goodness and the privilege we have of being members in his kingdom. We delight in the good news that we can belong and enjoy life in your presences despite our sin, despite our pride and anger.

Thank you that Jesus is our Chief Prophet who came also to reveal your truth to us in a fuller and greater way than anything that was known before. We testify before you now that it is our desire to serve him. We want to be changed by your Spirit into a people who love rather than hate.

Please help us to let go of our pride. Help us to see people as you see them, worthy of dignity and respect because they have been made in your image. Help us to watch over our anger, willing to suffer wrongs rather than to do wrong ourselves. Also, where there is tension in relationships and matters that need to be resolved, make us strong so that we take the first steps—not only initiating conversation, but also acknowledging our sin.

We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.