Raising the Bar on Purpose...

In the sermon on the mount, Jesus took the purpose of the law far above what anyone could ever interpret to suiting their own desires. He used exaggerated analogies to make the point that its impossible to keep the law. It’s entire purpose is to show us our sinful nature (not keeping the law) and our inability to pay the wages it demands (death). It’s hard to live your life when death is the payment you owe. Jesus raised the bar higher than the religious leaders ever dreamed they could justify, so high in fact, that your thought life was now on trial, which no one could argue or try to justify. When you are honest with yourself, the number one requirement when it comes to God, you see the impossible requirements the law demands, and your inability to meet its obligatory response.

“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’22 But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.23 “So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you,24 leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.25 “When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison.26 And if that happens, you surely won’t be free again until you have paid the last penny. Matthew 5:21-26a