In our previous article (link), Jesus taught that murder is more than the physical act of ending life and that judgment would fall on disparaging and angry words spoken to others. But Jesus’ teaching on the subject doesn’t end there. He goes on to provide some “do’s” in addition to His “don’ts.”
“So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God. “When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison. And if that happens, you surely won’t be free again until you have paid the last penny.” (Matthew 5:23–26, NLT)
The keyword is reconciled. I’ve always found it interesting that Jesus said, “if someone has something against you,” instead of “if you have something against someone.” We don’t always know if someone is holding something against us. Following the Jesus Way means that when we know, we must strive for reconciliation with them. Jesus prioritized reconciliation above worship, “leave your sacrifice at the altar.” While we don’t worship in the same way as His listeners, the meaning is that we must seek reconciliation, even if it means skipping out on our prayer time, small group, or Sunday morning gathering.
Sometimes reconciliation means bearing an unjust or unfair burden. In the second part is this passage, Jesus advises settling quickly with those taking us to court. Getting to the place in a dispute where courts are the only answer means that both sides have already dug in, their positions are set, and both sides feel justified in their position. Following the Jesus way, though, often means bearing injustice for the sake of others. After all, that is what Jesus did for us.
Keep in mind that this is all in relation to Jesus’ command concerning murder and angry words. The Jesus Way is more than not doing wrong. It is making straight the paths of relationship, even if it costs us something. Why is this important? First, by striving after reconciliation with others, we are staying connected to Christ. Secondly, it smooths the way for others also to encounter the love of Jesus. Lastly, it keeps us on the path of following Christ instead of getting lost in religious sounding and feeling obligations. And yes, it is not easy or painless. But following the Jesus Way is fruitful and joyous.
A long time ago, I managed a store for a large electronics business. One day a customer and I had a bit of an argument over some cable connectors. He was convinced that he needed a certain adapter, and I knew that it wouldn’t work. It wasn’t a pretty conversation. The next day I read the passage above and was convicted that I needed to apologize. So, I looked up their phone number and called them up. Even though the customer had the title of Reverend, he seemed a bit confused. I don’t recall ever seeing him again, but that phone call was one step in following the Jesus Way.
Perhaps you have a step or two that you need to make. We’d love to pray for that. Specifically, we pray that Christ’s peace would proceed your attempt and that His love would guide your thoughts, words, and deeds.
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