The Big Three: Murder, Adultery, Divorce

Do I really believe what Jesus says and that it still applies to me today?

“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’” Matthew 5:21

“But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.” Matthew 5:22

“Raca” is an Aramaic term meaning “empty one.”

You cannot downplay Jesus words. What he said then is still true today:

Anger contains the seeds of murder, that abusive language contains the spirit of murder, and that cursing language implies the very desire to murder.

Sin is conceived in the mind, cultivated in the heart, and carried out through the hands.

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there 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.” Matthew 5:23-24

“Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.” Matthew 5:25-26

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Matthew 5:27-28

Sin is conceived in the mind, cultivated in the heart, and carried out with your hands.

“If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.” Matthew 5:29-30

Then he addresses a hot topic they had in their day, divorce.

“It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” Matthew 5:31-32

The Greek word used here is “porneia,” the broadest term for sexual sin. It refers to sexual relations with any other person besides one’s monogamous heterosexual spouse.

Sin is conceived in the mind, cultivated in the heart, and expressed with your body.