In continuing His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus takes us deeper than outward behavior. Here, Jesus teaches on anger and its hidden roots.
He exposes something we often try to hide—anger.
While the Law condemned murder, Jesus reveals that the real battlefield begins long before blood is shed—it starts in the heart. In this context, Jesus teaches on anger as an internal condition to address.
This teaching from Matthew 5:21–26 is bold, convicting, and essential for every believer in 2025.
👥 Who Is Jesus Speaking To?
Jesus is still addressing the disciples and the crowd, but now He’s shifting from teaching identity and calling to confronting internal issues that affect our relationship with God and others. Notably, Jesus teaches on anger as a heart issue that can damage these relationships.
He’s not just talking about criminals.
He’s talking about you and me—our temper, our tone, and our treatment of others.
What Jesus Said: Matthew 5:21–26 (NASB)
21 “You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘You shall not murder,’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be answerable to the court.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be answerable to the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be answerable to the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. 23 Therefore, if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering. 25 Come to good terms with your accuser quickly, while you are with him on the way to court, so that your accuser will not hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you will not be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I say to you, you will not come out of there until you have paid up the last quadrans.”
What Happened?
Jesus took the external commandment “Do not murder” and pulled back the curtain on the internal condition behind it—anger, contempt, and broken relationships.
He taught that even hateful words and lingering offense are subject to judgment.
Why? Because they carry the seed of murder in them.
“You Fool!” and the Power of Words
Jesus warns that insults and contemptuous words like “Raca” (meaning “empty-headed” or “worthless”) carry the weight of judgment.
In a digital age full of cancel culture, comments sections, and passive aggression, this is serious. Therefore, when Jesus teaches on anger, He emphasizes being mindful of our words.
Action Step: Review your last few texts, comments, or conversations. Do they reflect a spirit of grace or contempt? Ask God to cleanse your heart.
Reconciliation Over Religion
Jesus delivers a jaw-dropping command:
“If you’re at the altar about to give your offering, and remember your brother has something against you… leave it. Go reconcile. Then come back.”
In modern terms?
God prioritizes healed relationships over religious activity.
You can sing, tithe, and attend church—but if you’re holding a grudge or avoiding a challenging conversation, Jesus says: pause your worship and pursue peace.
Action Step: Is there someone you’re not right with? Make the call. Send the message. Don’t wait for Sunday to get it right.
Settle It Quickly
“Come to good terms… while you are with him on the way…”
Jesus encourages urgency in reconciliation. Why? Because bitterness hardens quickly. Offense doesn’t dissolve—it deepens when ignored.
In 2025, with fast-paced communication, unresolved issues multiply in seconds. Jesus’ words are still the answer.
Action Step: Don’t sleep on anger. The longer you wait, the harder it gets. Move toward resolution—even if you weren’t the one “at fault.”
What This Means for Us in 2025
Anger is no longer hidden behind smiles and social scripts. It leaks out online, in families, in churches. As Jesus teaches on anger, He provides guidance on addressing it.
But Jesus gives us a better way:
- Honor people over pride.
- Pursue peace over performance.
- Act before it festers.
He isn’t just trying to make you nicer—He wants to make you new.
✅ Practical Steps to Live This Out:
- Identify unresolved conflict. Write it down. Don’t ignore it.
- Pray for courage and wisdom to move toward peace.
- Initiate the conversation humbly. Don’t wait for the perfect moment.
- Forgive freely, even if the other person doesn’t respond as you hoped.
🙏 Final Prayer
Lord Jesus, You see my heart. Cleanse it from hidden anger, pride, and contempt. Please give me the strength to forgive, the humility to ask for forgiveness, and the urgency to seek peace. I don’t want to worship You while holding onto what You died to free me from. In Your name, Amen.
