Matthew 5:17-32
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have not come to abolish these things but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth pass away not the smallest letter or stroke of a letter will pass from the law until everything takes place.
So anyone who breaks one of the least of these commands and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever obeys them and teaches others to do so will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
For I tell you, unless your righteousness goes beyond that of the experts in the law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven!
“You have heard that it was said to an older generation, ‘Do not murder,’ and ‘whoever murders will be subjected to judgment.’ But I say to you that anyone who is angry with a brother will be subjected to judgment.
And whoever insults a brother will be brought before the council, and whoever says ‘Fool’ will be sent to fiery hell.
So then, if you bring your gift to the altar and there you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother and then come and present your gift. Reach agreement quickly with your accuser while on the way to court, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the warden, and you will be thrown into prison. I tell you the truth, you will never get out of there until you have paid the last penny!
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to desire her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away! It is better to lose one of your members than to have your whole body thrown into hell.
If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away! It is better to lose one of your members than to have your whole body go into hell.
The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.
COMMENT & QUESTIONS
Jesus asks us to reconcile with our brother before worshipping. Is there anyone you need to reconcile with today?
Think about any arguments, disagreements or even any resentment that you might be holding.
Jesus also tells us to make big sacrifices in our earthly life rather than to lose our whole life in hell. The stakes couldn’t be higher. Can you think of some aspects of your life that are causing temptation to sin? Are there things that it would be wise to get rid of in your life for the sake of your soul?
Think about relationships that you might have with bad company ("Do not be deceived: "Bad company corrupts good morals."" - 1 Corinthians 15:33)
Think about some unhealthy habits that you might have slipped into. Is there any baggage that you need to get rid of?
PRAYERS
For fellow Christians in conflict For those tempted by lust and desires of the flesh