When it comes to the 5th Commandment (Don't Murder), we most often go right to defining what murder is and then listing all of its horrendous effects. Rightly so. But what if we consider something even before the "what" and the "who"? Why and where. Why does God give us this command, and what does Jesus point to when we break it? The hard truth is we all break it, but thankfully, Jesus doesn't leave us there. Watch and see how Jesus leads us out of one of the most life-destroying evils that resides in all of our hearts: anger.

Matthew 5:21-26

21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. 23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. 26 Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.

For Adult Homes and Groups

1. Read the 5th Commandment and Matthew 5:21-26.

2. What connection does Jesus make between anger and murder?

3. How does Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount challenge your understanding of anger and its consequences?

4. Why are anger and murder the first topics Jesus addresses?

5. Can you think of a time when your anger or words caused harm? How do Jesus’ words address the impact of our words and attitudes?

6. Share the struggles you have with anger. Take time to pray for God’s powerful Gospel peace and for the Holy Spirit’s miraculous power of forgiveness.

For Families with Kids

1. Read and memorize the 5th Commandment and Luther’s explanation of it. Read Matthew 5:21-26 together.

2. When have you been hurt by others? Have you ever been the one to cause anger or hurt in someone else?

3. How can we show love and forgiveness to those who have hurt us?

4. When have you seen anger grow into something more serious? How can God help calm angry feelings?

5. Pray together. Ask God to help you say sorry and forgive someone you’re having a hard time forgiving.