Matthew 5:21-26
The King forbids not only murder but the angry contempt that destroys others before the act is done.
21 “You have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, ‘You shall not murder;’ and ‘Whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’
22 But I tell you that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause will be in danger of the judgment. Whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ will be in danger of the council. Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of Gehenna.
23 “If therefore you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you,
24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
25 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are with him on the way; lest perhaps the prosecutor deliver you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and you be cast into prison.
26 Most certainly I tell you, you shall by no means get out of there, until you have paid the last penny.
The King forbids not only murder but the angry contempt that destroys others before the act is done.
Matthew records Jesus authoritatively expounding the command against murder by exposing sinful anger, contemptuous speech, unreconciled worship, and urgent relational accountability before God.
The Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus teaches his disciples in the hearing of the crowds.
Kingdom Blessedness, Fulfilled Law, and Heart-Level Righteousness
Jesus reveals that kingdom citizens are blessed, visible, Scripture-governed, and called to a heart-level righteousness that reflects the character of their heavenly Father.