Your Death Sentence | Matthew 5:21-37 with Dr. Chris Croghan

In last week's lectionary Gospel text—instead of getting rid of the law—Jesus said He's going to fulfill the law. In other words, to make sure the law is followed to a T. In this week's text, Jesus explains what He meant by that...by turning up the heat on the law. 

Do not murder. Do not commit adultery. Do not get a divorce. 

Dr. Chris Croghan explains how we, like the scribes and Pharisees, hear this in the law. Phew, I haven't done those things. But Jesus turns the heat up further. 

It's not what you do that's the issue. It's what's in your heart. Maybe you haven't murdered, but have you been angry with someone? Sin > Dead. Maybe you haven't committed adultery, but have you been attracted to someone? Sin > Dead. 

Dr. Croghan teaches us that Jesus is removing every ounce of our ability to claim we're righteous in the law. All until we can't clean up the impossible mess and we're left to cry out, "Lord, have mercy!" 

SING TO THE LORD

Listen to Luther House of Study's newest podcast: Sing to the Lord!

Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world."

To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and I sit down with Zachary Brockhoff each week to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. We hope you enjoy this new venture! 

Follow or subscribe to Sing to the Lord to hear the weekly episodes. Links to the Sing to the Lord podcast feed are in the show notes. 

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GOSPEL

Matthew 5:21-37

21 “You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire. 23 So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.  27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell.  31 “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.  33 “Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.’ 34 But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by h

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