What does jesus say about murder?

What Does Jesus Say About Murder?

The commandment "thou shalt not kill" is widely recognized as one of the most fundamental moral principles in the Christian faith. Yet, the issue of murder is a complex and nuanced one, and Jesus’ teachings on the matter are multifaceted and profound. In this article, we will delve into the teachings of Jesus Christ on the topic of murder, examining His words and actions as recorded in the New Testament.

Direct Answer to the Question: What Does Jesus Say About Murder?

The Bible is clear that Jesus considered murder to be a serious violation of God’s law. In Matthew 5:21-22, Jesus teaches His disciples that "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.’ 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."

In this passage, Jesus emphasizes the importance of not only avoiding physical harm to others but also avoiding anger and hurtful words that can lead to harm. He is stressing that our words and actions have consequences, and that we must strive to cultivate a lifestyle of love, compassion, and forgiveness.

Jesus’ Teaching on Self-Defense

One of the most commonly debated issues related to Jesus’ teachings on murder is the concept of self-defense. The question arises: Is it ever permissible to take someone’s life in order to protect oneself or others? The Bible is silent on this issue, leaving us to rely on our conscience and our understanding of God’s character.

However, Jesus’ teaching on love and compassion for our neighbors (Matthew 22:37-40) and His own words on not resisting evil (Matthew 5:39) suggest that we should strive to avoid harming others whenever possible. This perspective is echoed in the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus teaches that "those who live by the sword will die by the sword" (Matthew 26:52).

Jesus’ Words on Violence and Retaliation

In Matthew 5:38-42, Jesus teaches His disciples about "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth", the principle of retribution that was widely accepted in His time. Jesus rejects this approach, instructing His followers to "love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you" (Matthew 5:44).

This passage is significant, as it highlights Jesus’ emphasis on love and compassion, even towards those who have wronged us. Rather than seeking revenge or retaliation, we are called to pray for our enemies and to love them as we would love ourselves.

Conclusion

Jesus’ teachings on murder are clear: He emphasizes the importance of not only avoiding physical harm to others but also avoiding anger, hurtful words, and all forms of violence. He calls us to a lifestyle of love, compassion, and forgiveness, even towards those who have wronged us.

Table: Key Takeaways

In conclusion, Jesus’ teachings on murder are a call to a life of love, compassion, and forgiveness, even towards those who have wronged us. By following His example, we can become agents of peace and justice, striving to create a world where murder and violence are a thing of the past.