Blueprints: Getting to the Heart of the Matter
Throughout His ministry, Jesus didn’t just offer rules or commandments to follow; He offered us something much deeper: a new way to live. In Matthew 5-7, we get to hear His longest and most famous teaching — the Sermon on the Mount. This was not just a sermon for a select group of people in Jesus’ time but is an eternal teaching, relevant for every generation. It gives us the tools to navigate the ups and downs of life and build something lasting on a strong foundation.
One key thing that stands out in the Sermon on the Mount is the idea that Jesus didn’t come to abolish the Old Testament law but to elevate it to something even deeper: relationships. Instead of focusing merely on the letter of the law, He invites us to focus on the heart of the law, which involves living in harmony with God and with others.
In this post, we’re going to look at one specific teaching from the Sermon on the Mount — a lesson that reveals how deeply Jesus cares about the condition of our hearts, especially when it comes to our words and our relationships.
The Heart of the Matter: Murder, Anger, and Contempt
In Matthew 5:21-22, Jesus addresses the commandment, “You shall not murder” — a rule most of us can agree is essential. But Jesus takes it a step further. He doesn’t just stop at murder; He brings the issue into the realm of the heart and mind, showing us that anger, contempt, and even name-calling can be just as damaging as physical violence.
Let’s break it down:
1. The Law: “You shall not murder.”
On the surface, most of us think, “Well, I haven’t killed anyone, so I’m good.” But Jesus doesn’t let us off that easily. He goes deeper by showing that murder starts in the heart. He says, “Anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.” Jesus shifts the conversation from just physical acts to the emotional and mental state we carry. The anger in our hearts can be just as destructive as the actions we take based on that anger.
2. The Next Level: Name-Calling and Contempt
Then, Jesus moves further by addressing insults. He speaks of the term raca, a derogatory word meaning “empty-headed” or “worthless.” Jesus warns that those who call others “good-for-nothing” or “worthless” are in danger of facing judgment. It’s easy to forget how deeply words can wound someone. When we belittle or dehumanize others with our words, we’re going down a dangerous path — one that, left unchecked, can lead to contempt and even hatred.
3. The Ultimate Offense: “You fool!”
Finally, Jesus tackles the words we use to mock others: “You fool.” This term comes from the Greek word moros, which we derive the word “moron” from. In modern terms, calling someone an idiot or a fool seems harmless — after all, we throw these words around in moments of frustration or anger. But for Jesus, this kind of language reveals something much deeper: a heart that’s been poisoned by pride and superiority. When we look down on others, thinking they have no value or are beneath us, we are standing in direct opposition to God’s design for humanity.
The punishment for these words might seem extreme — “fiery hell” — but it’s important to understand the context. Jesus was referring to Gehenna, a valley outside Jerusalem, infamous for being a place of idolatry and human sacrifice. By invoking this term, Jesus is emphasizing the seriousness of allowing contempt and anger to rule in our hearts.
The Shift: From Rules to Heart Transformation
What Jesus is teaching us is this: it’s not enough to just check off a list of “do’s and don’ts.” God cares about the heart behind the action. He cares about the way we think about and treat others. Whether we’re expressing our anger in an argument or gossiping behind someone’s back, these things matter deeply to God. Jesus is inviting us to take a deeper look at our hearts and transform the way we relate to others — not just avoid breaking the law.
What Do We Do About It?
If you’re like me, hearing this might bring up a lot of questions: “What do I do now?” “How can I change my heart and my behavior?” Thankfully, Jesus didn’t leave us hanging. He gives us a practical roadmap for addressing these issues in our lives. Here’s how we can respond:
1. Examine Your Heart
Jesus encourages us to examine ourselves. He says, “If you’re offering your gift at the altar and remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”
Before we come to God with our offerings or worship, we must first make things right with others. This means taking a moment to reflect on our relationships and addressing any unresolved anger, bitterness, or conflicts we might be carrying.
2. Own Your Words and Actions
It all starts with taking ownership. Words are powerful, and often we speak without thinking about the impact they have. The Bible teaches that the tongue is like a fire — it can either build people up or tear them down. We need to become aware of the words we use and how they affect others. Sometimes, this might involve a heartfelt apology or even going to someone and asking for forgiveness.
3. Apologize Sincerely and Make Amends
An apology that includes a “but” or an excuse isn’t a true apology. A sincere apology takes responsibility without trying to shift blame. After that, we must make amends. Jesus teaches us to actively seek reconciliation — to go to the person we’ve hurt and make things right.
4. Transform Your Heart
Finally, heart transformation is key. It’s not just about changing our behavior; it’s about allowing God to change our hearts. Sometimes, this requires digging deep to understand why we react the way we do. Seeking counsel, prayer, and reflection can help unearth the root causes of our anger and contempt, so we can address them at the heart level.
The Blueprint for Life
In His teachings, Jesus shows us that the rules are not just about avoiding sin — they are about living in relationship with God and others. When we focus on the condition of our hearts, everything else falls into place. This is the blueprint for living that Jesus offers us from Luke 10: to love God with everything we have and to love others as ourselves.
So, how will you build your life? Will you follow the blueprint Jesus laid out for us, or will you try to build on your own plans? The choice is yours — but remember, Jesus gives us a way to live that withstands the storms of life, and it’s one that leads to peace, joy, and lasting relationships.
If you want to dive deeper into these teachings, check out the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7, or explore the amazing resources available from The Bible Project through our Discussion Guide. Let’s commit to building lives based on God’s truth and His love for us and those around us.