Wednesday, January 7- Matthews 5:21-25

21"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.'
-Jesus teaches a teaching that surpasses the righteousness of the pharisees here.
-Looking at old teaching he cites a simple law that all would know.

22But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.
-Very high standard of righteousness set here.

23"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,
-Because of this type of standard, when we think about how we live our lives we can't just go about mindlessly. What's in our hearts effects our offerings. If we have murderous thoughts or hate then what kind of offering can we bring?

24leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.
-Gift given in peace will be way better.
-Reconciling is so important. We put little importance on it compared to how much importance God puts upon it. Jesus dies so he can reconcile. We should be humble in reconciling with others.

25"Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.
-Going more down reconciling, if someone has something against you fix it. There's personal interest in it not just God's interest. This seems like common wisdom.

26I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
-It's better to settle things sooner than later.
-All this having to do with living righteously because we are salt and light of the earth.
-Even when we're wrong just reconcile...live right and at peace with all people as far as it is up to us.
-Much of this is easier said than done. God expects us to live at a high standard. He knows we'll make mistakes, but reconcile what needs to be reconciled on earth and reconcile what must be done in heaven.