The Sixth Commandment in the Decalogue is composed of just two terse words as originally given, “Never murder” (Exodus 20:13). When asked about our own personal guilt regarding this Commandment, most of us might reply as did the ‘rich young ruler’ in Luke 18:21, “All these things I have kept from my youth up.” No bloodshed, no dead bodies. Therefore, no murder, no guilt, and no problem.

Then . . . along comes Jesus . . .

Take a good look at what He said in the Sermon on the Mount about the sin of murder:

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire”–Matthew 5:21-22.

Now, all of the sudden we have a big problem indeed!

While the Law of Moses does, in fact, say “Never murder”–that is, never take an innocent life–Jesus declared His authoritative interpretation and application of this Holy Commandment. And according to the way Jesus reads the Law of Moses, one can murder with the heart and the mouth, not only with the hand. One can be guilty of murder and the violation of the Sixth Commandment without actually killing anyone, without bloodshed, without the need for a funeral!

This coming Lord’s Day we will explore these powerful words of Jesus as recorded in Matthew 5:21-22. As you pray and prepare for worship spend some time reading and reflecting upon the larger context of this passage in Matthew 5:17-48.