"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

Another introductory observation on this section of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:21-48) are the words, “You have heard it said… But I say…” Jesus frames all five of His examples of the spirit of the law with these words. Why?

It was common in Jesus’ day for the legal scholars (the scribes and Pharisees) to begin their statements citing another eminent Rabbi using the words, “Rabbi So-and-So said…” Pointing to precedent set by another, they sought to attach authority to their words. Jesus was no doubt referring to this practice of citing some other authority to bolster their own authority.

But what did Jesus say? “You’ve heard it said… But I say!” He needed no other authority than His own. Why? Because He is almighty God! Old Testament prophets frequently introduced their prophecies with the words, “Thus says the LORD.” Jesus took it further than the OT prophets. He was not only saying, “The LORD says,” He identified Himself as the LORD!

What faithful commentators say about what God says is often helpful to better understand God’s Word. But the words of pastors, preachers, and teachers (including mine!) are not the Word of God! God speaks for Himself and His words are infinitely authoritative. Jesus is God and His words are the Word of God.(1)

(1) The Church recognizes all of scripture as the inspired Word of God. But that is limited to the Bible and includes no words but the Bible as having such authority. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Next time: The letter and spirit of God’s Law regarding anger.