Matthew 5:20-26
Chapter 5
Regarding Offense
You have heard that it was said to our ancestors: Do not murder; anyone who murders will face judgment.
But now I tell you: anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will face judgment. Anyone who insults a brother or sister is in danger of being brought before the council. And anyone who calls a brother or sister “Fool!” is in danger of being thrown into the fiery Gehenna.
So, if you are about to offer your gift at the altar and remember that your brother has something against you,
leave your gift there in front of the altar; go at once and make peace with your brother, then come back and offer your gift to God.
Don’t forget this: reconcile with your opponent quickly when you’re together on the way to court. Otherwise, he will turn you over to the judge, who will send you to the police, and you’ll be put in jail.
There you will stay until you’ve paid the last penny.
Commentaries
Jesus and the Law.
Jesus clarifies his view on the Law, the Torah. First, he discusses it in general, including all Scripture in the well-known phrase “the Law and the Prophets”; then, in six clearly defined contrasts, highlighted by Matthew’s famous antitheses: “You have heard that it was said… but I say to you.” Jesus speaks with authority that goes beyond the old legislation.
Jesus restores the commandments to their core and ultimate purpose: serving life, justice, love, and truth. He does not oppose the old Law with a new one but transforms it and brings it to fulfillment. At the heart is sacred respect for the person and a denunciation of anything that, even if disguised by legality, attacks their dignity.