In this week’s section of the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew 5, Jesus lifts up a number of commandments, laws and expectations that are intended to guide the lives of the people of God. Jesus invites his followers (including you and me) to step beyond the bare minimum and move more fully into the spirit of living out God’s vision for life in community, and not just the “letter of the law.” It really isn’t enough to simply not murder the people around us. God’s intention for us is much more than that.
Jesus lays out some outlandish expectations. While it won’t be hard for the vast majority of us to avoid murder most of the time, we all encounter moments of anger, unresolved conflict, accusations, lust, sin, broken relationships, or empty promises. God’s vision is a grand one, where we treat one another with care, compassion, concern and forgiveness, based on love for our fellow children of God.
Not a day goes by that I fully succeed in dealing with my brothers and sisters or my neighbors in the ways God envisions. Fortunately, God knows my shortcomings and my failings and loves me nonetheless. Our connection to God is not dependent on our actions. Our connection to God is only dependent on the love of God, which is unending. So despite our failures and shortcomings, God loves us still. It still matters how we treat each other, but God does not throw us out when we fail. Outlandish expectations and second chances are kinda God’s thing. -ara
Here is Matthew 5:21-37 in seven sections, with my short summary for each.
21 “You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not murder’; and “whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, “You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire.
-Killing someone isn’t the only action that can damage or harm.
23 So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.
-If you are concerned with your relationship with God, pay attention to your relationship with your neighbor.
25 Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.
-Be reasonable and find a solution in disputes with your neighbor.
27 “You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
-Respect boundaries. And actions are not the only things that matter.
29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell.
-Separate yourself from what causes you to sin.
31 “It was also said, “Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
-Relationships and commitments matter. They can’t be just dissolved without care.
33 “Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.’ 34 But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 Let your word be “Yes, Yes’ or “No, No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one.
-Let your word be your bond. Don’t bullshit.
Prayer
God, loving parent of us all,
Your vision for life here with other people is just beautiful, but also just impossible.
Your other children are challenging and difficult, and do wrong all the time.
I am also challenging and difficult, and do wrong all the time.
Help me to move toward your vision for life in community with your children.
Help me to treat other with respect and compassion.
Show me how to forgive, relent, and seek reconciliation.
And fill me with your comfort and forgiveness when I fail.
Amen.