In this week’s message, Pastor Jacob continues the “Upside Down Kingdom” series, focusing on Jesus’s teaching in Matthew 5 about anger. He explains that Jesus expands the commandment “do not murder” beyond physical violence to include anger, insults, and name-calling, treating these as seriously as murder itself. Jesus teaches that the commandment is more than a rule to follow; it’s a guiding principle for loving others. While anger itself isn’t inherently wrong (Jesus himself expressed anger at injustice), how we express and direct our anger matters greatly. Jesus calls his followers to pursue reconciliation when relationships are damaged, which involves reopening communication, engaging in forgiveness, and rebuilding trust. By managing our anger properly and valuing relationships enough to work toward reconciliation, Christians can be “salt and light” in the world.
Reflection Questions
- What stuck out in today’s message? What did you find challenging and encouraging? Did you learn anything new?
- Have you ever experienced the power of reconciliation in your own life? What happened?
- Read Matthew 5:21-26. What does Jesus say are the consequences of anger?
- How is Jesus challenging the original audience’s understanding of anger?
- Why does Jesus connect anger and name-calling to murder?
- What new understandings and/or realizations do you have about anger and yours specifically?
- What is the difference between reconciliation and restoration? Why is that an important distinction to make? Do I struggle with anger? Is there a specific area of life or person that triggers that anger?
- Pastor Jacob walked us through 3 steps to begin reconciliation with someone: reopen communication, engage in forgiveness, and rebuild trust. How have you seen this process take place in a relationship in the past? What step(s) are the most difficult for you and why?
- What is a practical step(s) you can take this week to pursue reconciliation with unresolved conflicts in your life where God may be calling you to seek reconciliation?
