Context: (BKC) Six times Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said.… But I tell you” (5:21–22, 27–28, 31–32, 33–34, 38–39, 43–44). These words make it clear that Jesus was presenting (a) what the Pharisees and teachers of the Law were saying to the people and, by contrast, (b) what God’s true intent of the Law was. This spelled out His statement (v. 20) that Pharisaic righteousness is not enough to gain entrance into the coming kingdom.
1. repeated
A. v.21b whoever murders will be subjected to judgment.
v.22 But I say to you that anyone who is angry with a brother will be subjected to judgment
whoever insults a brother will be brought before the council
whoever says ‘Fool’ will be sent to fiery hell
Not only murdering is an serious matter that will led to judgment, but something that we might see as trivial will led to the same result. Jesus' standard is the higher standard. Do not make the standard of God lower and have the false sense of security (if you want to enter the KOG through fulfilling the Law).
(BKC) becoming angry and assuming a position of superiority over another by calling him a derogatory name (such as the Aram. Raca or You fool!) demonstrates sinfulness of the heart
B. v.23b your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother and then come and present your gift
v.24 Reach agreement quickly with your accuser while on the way to court
Sometimes if people have something against us, we may think that it is out of our control. I can do nothing about it. But, there is consequence! Just like if the person bring it to court then we will be jailed! Therefore, no matter they bring you to court of not, go to settle with them immediately. Reach agreement quickly!
Will v.24 also an encouragement for us to reach agreement quickly with God? If the listener be reminded by Jesus and see how hopeless they are to fulfill the Law and will be accused before God then they should seek agreement now with Jesus.
2. The important of the tense
v.28 whoever looks at a woman to desire her has already committed adultery with her in his heart
desire=(BDAG) to have sexual interest in someone, desire...with a strong desire for her, with lust for her
has committed adultery=aorist tense
already=(BDAG) marker of logical proximity and immediateness, in fact; marker of intensification, really
Lustful adultery desire or intense sexual interest in one's heart is counted as an act that has already been done. (Not sure if Jesus meant all the desire or specifically just the lustful desire here.)
(BKC) The lustful desire, in the heart, as wrong as the act, indicates that one is not rightly related to God.
3. Reflection: Fulfillment of the Law is absolutely hopeless for me because there is many times that I look down on others or not settling agreement with others who is mad at me. On the other hand, hell is something so real that Jesus urged His listener to settle it quickly. Run to Jesus as our propitiation.
Lustful thoughts were sinful to God, but so as greedy and not trusting God. Ask God to guard our heart and forgive these inward sins.
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