Jesus often described His earthly ministry in Israel with the proclamation that the “kingdom of heaven” was at hand. To His 1st-century Jewish audience that conjured up images of a literal, physical kingdom in which the Messiah rules as King, inaugurating righteousness and justice. All of these are true (and we believe will be completely fulfilled one day). Yet Jesus was not as much concerned about overthrowing an unjust empire as transforming His disciples—citizens of His new kingdom—from the inside out. Underpinning His teachings is the earth-shattering idea that bringing His kingdom requires His disciples living radically differently, addressing evil and sin on the root level: the human heart.
Jesus is extending (or perhaps applying) the Torah from the realm of external behavior into one’s heart attitude. Yet it is also implied that not all sin is equal. There is clear progression in severity of punishment. Anger risks the judgment of the local synagogue; an insult risks the council of the Sanhedrin; and saying “you fool” risks the fire of hell. All these incur judgment, but in varying degrees.
The Greek used here for fool is mōros, from which we get the word “moron.” Some scholars suggest it is actually the transliteration of the Hebrew more, which can connote worthless or apostate. So one interpretation is that anyone who tells his brother they are doomed to hell is in danger of being doomed to hell themselves(!).
Jesus understands that anger and all its causes—such as jealousy, as seen with Cain—is endemic to the human condition. No one is “safe” from the potential of a heart poisoned by anger and the destruction it brings. God is concerned not merely with one’s actions but the attitude underlying it. Jesus is claiming that we can be judged by God for not just our actions, but by our attitudes towards each other.
Along with the rest of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches us to cultivate an inner life of peace, contentment, and self-control. For life in the kingdom consists of “righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17).
For reflection:
- Reflect on a few times you’ve been angry. What caused you to be angry—was it more of a righteous anger or a “selfish” anger? How did you deal with the anger? Were there any underlying emotions, such as jealousy, bitterness, or arrogance?
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