What did jesus say about murder?

What Did Jesus Say About Murder?

As we delve into the teachings of Jesus Christ, one of the most crucial questions that arise is what he said about murder. As the Son of God, Jesus’ words and teachings have had a profound impact on human history, and understanding his stance on murder is essential for followers of Christianity. In this article, we will explore the direct answers Jesus gave about murder, examining his teachings on the topic through the eyes of the New Testament.

The Teachings of Jesus on Murder

The Sixth Commandment: "You Shall Not Kill"

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus begins by summarizing the Ten Commandments, also known as the Law. He starts with the sixth commandment, "You shall not kill" (Matthew 5:21). Jesus reiterates the importance of this commandment, stating that anyone who is angry with their brother or sister without a cause is also guilty of murder (Matthew 5:22).

The Importance of Anger Control

Jesus highlights the significance of anger control, emphasizing that "whoever is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment" (Matthew 5:22). This teaching suggests that even the emotions and attitudes we harbor towards others can have consequences, just like physical acts of murder. Jesus is not simply promoting a moral code, but rather encouraging his followers to cultivate a deeper understanding of God’s character and their own relationship with Him.

The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

In the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35), Jesus teaches about the importance of forgiveness. He tells the story of a servant who owes his king a massive debt, and when the king forgives the debt, the servant refuses to forgive a smaller debt owed to him. Jesus concludes the parable by stating that "this is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart" (Matthew 18:35).

Forgiveness and Murder

In this parable, Jesus draws a connection between forgiveness and murder. By refusing to forgive, the unforgiving servant is essentially condemning the other person to spiritual death, which is akin to murder. Jesus’ message is clear: we must forgive others just as God has forgiven us, or we risk being judged by God for our hardness of heart.

The Relationship Between Murder and Adultery

In the Gospels, Jesus teaches about the relationship between murder and adultery. He states that "anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in their heart" (Matthew 5:28). By extension, we can say that anyone who harbors hatred or malice towards another person has, in effect, committed spiritual murder.

The Consequences of Murder

Jesus warns his followers about the consequences of murder, stating that "whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed" (Matthew 26:52). This quotation is a reference to Genesis 9:6, where God establishes the penalty for murder as capital punishment. Jesus is not promoting violence, but rather highlighting the gravity of the crime and the need for justice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Jesus’ teachings on murder are multifaceted and far-reaching. He emphasizes the importance of anger control, forgiveness, and the relationship between murder and adultery. Jesus warns his followers about the consequences of murder, and by extension, the consequences of harboring hatred and malice towards others. By examining Jesus’ teachings on murder, we can gain a deeper understanding of His character and the character of God, as well as our own relationship with Him.

Table: Jesus’ Teachings on Murder

By examining Jesus’ teachings on murder, we can better understand His character and the character of God, as well as our own relationship with Him.