The Sermon On The Mount v2 6 Murder
Jesus said in Matthew 5:20 that unless our righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, we cannot enter His kingdom. This was a shocking statement and revealed that their righteousness was flawed and not pleasing to God. Jesus gives six examples of contrasts between their flawed righteousness compared to His kingdom righteousness. The first one is murder where there shallow attitudes is contrasted to how serious the Law of Moses condemned murder as well as the underlying anger leading to it. The Law also taught restraint of anger and need for quick reconciliation in conflicts to avoid further sin including murder. The gospel also teaches these things showing we must rid ourselves of anger and hatred and love and forgive others.
