The Sermon on the MountSample

You shall not murder

Note the difference between the phrase used by Jesus on this occasion (You have heard that it was said) and the one with which he answered the devil during the temptations in the wilderness (It is written). Although the various subjects that Jesus deals with are taken from the Old Testament, their true force had been undermined by the interpretation that was given. It was necessary to reaffirm the power of the Word of God.

• You shall not murder: there is no absolute prohibition on taking life because capital punishment was provided for in the Law. This commandment was being associated with another phrase, not found in the Old Testament, which emphasizes external actions. This takes away the force of the commandment, as true motivation comes from the heart (Matthew 15:18-20; Mark 7:20-23).
• The court: murder called for a trial, but Jesus applies it to anger (James 1:19,20; Ephesians 4:26,27).
• Raca means "empty" and applied to a person means "empty head" – contempt that diminishes the value of a person's life (cf. John 7:49).
• Fool: It is likely that this is a transliteration of the Hebrew word for "apostate" (Jeremiah 5:23; Psalm 78:8; Numbers 20:10-13 - in these verses it is translated as "rebel"). Thinking that a person is beyond God's grace can put our own future at risk.

To steer clear of these excesses, we must take great care to maintain correct relationships with others. Conduct is more important than formal worship. Rather than insisting on being right at all costs, we must take action to resolve misunderstandings with our brothers and sisters and with others. One sin does not justify another!

We often hear people say, "I have never hurt anyone". Maybe we have also said this at times! But words of contempt and ridicule can do a lot of harm. Think about the serious phenomenon of cyberbullying that can lead to suicide in people who have never been physically attacked.

• Do you use your tongue (or social media) to belittle or encourage others?