You Are Reconciled

New Year, New You: You Are Reconciled

Indeed I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and experts in the law, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. (Mt 5:20)

1. We _____________ are a sinful mess.

²¹ “You have heard that it was said to people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be subject to judgment.’ ²² But I tell you that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause will be subject to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will have to answer to the Sanhedrin. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of hell fire. (Mt 5:21–22)

and sent up sacrifices in smoke in the Valley [גֵּיא] of the Son of Hinnom [הִנֹּם]. He [King Ahaz] burned his sons in the fire, in keeping with the disgusting practices of the nations whom the Lord had driven out before the people of Israel. (2 Ch 28:3)

²³ “So if you are about to offer your gift at the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you, ²⁴ leave your gift there in front of the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother. Then come and offer your gift. ²⁵ “If someone accuses you, reach an agreement with him quickly, while you are with him on the way. Otherwise your accuser may bring you to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you will be thrown into prison. ²⁶ Amen I tell you: You will never get out until you have paid the last penny. (Mt 5:23–26)

²⁷ “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ²⁸ but I tell you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (Mt 5:27–28)

Then Abimelek summoned Abraham and said to him, “What have you done to us? How have I sinned against you, that you have brought this great sin on me and on my kingdom? You have done things to me that should not be done!” (Ge 20:9)

The Ancient Near East’s focus was the offense to the man who was married to the woman who committed adultery.

²⁹ If your right eye causes you to fall into sin, pluck it out and throw it away from you. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. ³⁰ If your right hand causes you to fall into sin, cut it off and throw it away from you. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. (Mt 5:29–30)

2. Jesus ___________ our sinful mess.

Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. (Eph 2:3b)

Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, fear the one who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Mt 10:28)

But I will show you the one you should fear. Fear him who, after he has killed the body, has authority to throw it into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! (Lk 12:5)

For the mind-set of the sinful flesh is hostile to God, since it does not submit to God’s law, and in fact, it cannot. (Ro 8:7)

^18b God … who reconciled us to himself through Christ … ^19a That is, God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them. … ²¹ God made him, who did not know sin, to become sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in him. (2 Co 5:18b, 19a, 21)

3. Jesus makes any situation __________________________ for you.

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, maintain peace with everyone. (Ro 12:18)

Instead, be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ has forgiven us. (Eph 4:32)

Bear with one another and forgive each other if anyone has a complaint against anyone else. Forgive, just as Christ forgave you. (Col 3:13)

Points to Ponder

1. What is one thing that stood out for you from this week’s message?
2. Jesus teaches that anger and harsh words matter. How do I handle my anger, and do I need to seek forgiveness from someone I’ve hurt?
3. Jesus tells us to seek reconciliation before bringing our gift to the altar. How does my relationship with others affect my worship of God?
4. What is one concrete action I can take this week to bring peace in a broken relationship?

Homework: Matthew 15