“There’s Been a Murder” (Matthew 5:21-26

Introduction:

-Introduced the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-2)

-“The Great Contradiction” (Matthew 5:3-12)

-“Being Salty and Shine” (Matthew 5:13-16)

-“Become Greater” (Matthew 5:17-20)

1. Jesus came and fulfill the Law (v. 17).

2. Jesus affirmed the continuing authority of the Law (vv. 18-19)

3. Jesus proclaimed the need for greater righteousness (v. 20)

-Beginning of “You have Heard… But I say to you.” Messages. Two problems Jesus will address, starting with today’s message.

1. People have heard different things from the Old Testament, but not all have been taught correctly.

2. People limited the Old Testament Commandments to external actions, not inward righteousness. Jesus reveals the true intentions of the law as it concerns the heart (The Heart of the Matter).

Today we begin the 1st of the “You have Heard… But I say to You” Messages.