The Friday in the 1st Week in Lent
March 3, 2023
Matthew 5:20-26
Jesus is teaching lessons on various topics in Matthew’s Gospel and today’s verses cover the subject of law and anger and/or personal disputes with others. First, Jesus warns his listeners that “unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (verse 20). The Pharisees and teachers of the law had become quite accomplished at following the law and not the intent of the law. They were without the love of God in their hearts. Jesus wants his listeners to understand that is not what He has come for. He has come to teach a new way. He challenges the rigid, law following status quo with love and grace. Then, Jesus explains that he is not against laws, for laws such as “do not murder” are proper. However, anger, bitterness and grudges against others are also wrong. Jesus instructs us to make peace with others. How can we have the love of God in our hearts and anger against others in our hearts too? We must keep the “meditations of our hearts acceptable to the Lord” and resolve our differences with others instead of allowing the differences to cause more trouble
Bill Eskridge