"You shall not murder.” Exodus 20:13

In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), Jesus reveals “the spirit if the law,” in contrast with the stark “letter of the law.” Instead of dismissing the Law, He states the timelessness of the Law.

"Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. ” Matthew 5:17-19

Far from lowering the bar of righteousness, He reveals the much higher standard of God’s law.

“For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:20

He then illustrated His point by explaining Himself using several Old Testament laws. The first such example He pointed to was “You shall not murder.”

"You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'YOU SHALL NOT MURDER, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.' But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire.” Matthew 5:21-22

With these words Jesus made it clear that while actions are important, the thoughts and intentions of the heart are equally important, since what we do, for better or worse, begins in our hearts and minds.

Is the act of murder, therefore, no different than hateful thoughts? Check back next time…