Love One Another

July 14, 2019 Background Scripture: Matthew 5:21 – 32 Lesson Passage: Matthew 5:21 – 32 This lesson is Part 3 in this series that is taken from the Sermon on the Mount. In this lesson, Jesus teaches about the nature of sin. After careful consideration of what Jesus told them about sin, there is no wonder that at some point in Jesus’ ministry, someone noted that they had never heard anyone teach like that. Jesus did not focus exclusively on a person’s actions. Jesus taught that sin is a condition of a person’s heart. In other words, sin is a matter of the person’s inward disposition and not to be equated with the action that may or may not ensue. A person may never act immorally or unjustly towards another and yet they can still be very sinful. In fact, Jesus taught them that sin was present in the person before the person took action. That is radical teaching! This is the kind of teaching that would have been irritating to the Jewish religious leaders who made their reputation based on outward show. Their reputations were based on what they were known to do or not do. If you did not see them do it or could not prove that they had done it, then they considered themselves to be innocent of all sins. To this, Jesus said: Not so fast. You may never do a wrongful act publicly or privately and still be a very sinful person. As Jesus stated previously in this narrative, the believer’s righteousness must exceed that of an outward display of holiness or piety. Jesus encouraged his followers to resolve any differences they may have with another person. Jesus gave this a higher priority than bringing a gift to the altar. In fact, he taught that reconciliation should be sought before a gift is offered on or at the altar. He also taught that personal harm can be limited by making reconciliation with one’s enemy rather than going before a judge or arbitrator. Jesus taught that even something as egregious as murder is a secondary response to internal sin. Murder is the repercussion of the sin that is internalized within the sinner. Likewise, he dealt with the subject of adultery. Jesus defined the lust of the sinner as the sin. So, even if the person does not act beyond their lust, the sin has been committed in the person’s heart. Understanding this is what makes it abundantly clear that we need a Savior because we could never become righteous on our own. Our thoughts betray us. When we meditate on our thoughts, they can easily become lust. The Apostle Paul’s outburst was related to this understanding when he said, “O wretched man that I am!” The old adage that you can’t judge a book by its cover is especially true when it comes to sin. When it comes to the true spiritual condition of the person, it is a matter of what’s on the inside that counts. This is central to what Jesus was teaching his followers. Sin is present inside of a person. Unrighteous and immoral actions are manifestations of internal sin. The other saying that we sometimes hear is, “It doesn’t hurt to look.” Well, according to Jesus’ teaching, maybe it does hurt to look. With so much sin, with and without actions, it is best that we practice loving one another—even more so, now that we have a better understanding of the true nature of sin. Robert C. Hudson June 19, 2019