DAY 15: March 5, 2021 Friday of Lent 2- Matthew 5:21-22
“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 [1]
Jesus begins this section with these words, “And I say to you…” Who is this “I”? Who is presumptuous to go beyond what Moses said? Who does the “I” think he is – one greater than Moses, the might prophet of God? Here we confront Christological considerations. Jesus is speaking. Here we find a greater than Moses. In the words, “I say to you.” Jesus is placing Himself above all other religious teachers and prophets. How can he rightfully do this? Jesus speaks as God’s Son, the Word made flesh. He has the mind, the Spirit, and the essence of God the Father. As the Word of God, Jesus’ word is truth excelling all other teachers. Thus, the Scriptures testify of Him and we interpret them in the light of Christ. [2]
Anger is a raw emotion. Paul would remind us, “Be angry but do not sin.”-Ephesians 4:6 Moses got angry when the people made an idol. Prophets got angry when widows and orphans were neglected, and when the stranger wasn’t provided with hospitality. Jesus got angry and overturned the tables of those who were profiting from poor worshipers.
The problem comes, even with righteous anger, when we are so angry that we do harm. The problem comes when we stay angry instead of letting that anger subside and morph into looking for creative and constructive solutions to unjust actions and systems. The problem comes when anger is a way of life, or a lens through which we view other people. The problem comes when anger interferes with relationships.
Insults and angry words almost never help things; they make things worse. In angry times, it’s important that we rebuild broken relationships. It’s important that we offer criticism in such a way that it constructs bridges instead of barriers. It’s important that we let love for our fellow human beings turn anger into listening, and then into action. Otherwise, our anger will kill us.[3]
O Lord, that as Your Son Jesus Christ prayed for His enemies on the cross, so we may have grace to forgive those who wrongfully or scornfully use us, that we ourselves may be able to receive Your forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. [4]
Lord Jesus, Bread of Life, in Your great compassion You fed the multitudes with a few loaves and a few fish. Feed us the holy food of Your Word broken open that hearts may burn and Your very body and blood that eyes may be opened to see You as the very Bread of heaven; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit; one God, now and forever. [5]
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[1] The Water and the Blood copyright © Ed Riojas
Higher Things
[2] Text notes
Epiphany 6 – Series A
[4] Collect
for Friday of Lent 2, , http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm
[5] Collect for Friday of Lent 2, Lutheran Service Book ©
2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
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