In Matthew 5:21–22, Jesus redefines how we should understand murder—not just as a physical act, but as something that can begin in the heart and be expressed through our words.
Matthew 5:21–22
“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.”
In the Old Testament, murder was condemned as a direct violation of God’s moral law (Exodus 20:13). The Pharisees focused mainly on the outward act of murder. But Jesus, as the fulfillment of the law (Matthew 5:17), goes deeper—He targets the inner attitude of the heart.
In 1 John 3:15, we read:
“Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.”
Jesus’ teaching agrees with this: hatred, anger, and contempt are the roots of murder, and they are just as sinful in God’s eyes.
Jesus identifies three escalating behaviors that stem from the heart:
Being angry with a brother or sister (fellow believer or neighbor) is not a minor emotion—it can lead to bitterness, revenge, or hatred. In God’s court, this anger already makes us liable to judgment.
Ephesians 4:31
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”
James 3:9–10
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness… My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”
Calling someone a fool (Greek: moros, where we get the word “moron”) implies moral worthlessness or spiritual condemnation. This is not casual name-calling—it’s judging someone as beyond redemption, which is dangerous territory.
Matthew 12:36–37
“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Jesus says such speech is deserving of “the fire of hell” (Greek: Gehenna), a metaphor for eternal punishment.
What Jesus is teaching is that sin begins in the heart, not just in outward actions. This echoes the prophetic tradition of the Old Testament:
Jeremiah 17:9
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?”
Words and attitudes reflect what’s already in our hearts. So God doesn’t only judge our actions—He judges our motives and intentions.
Proverbs 4:23
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
To overcome sinful anger, insults, and cursing, we need the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. It’s only through His work in us that we can exhibit self-control, love, patience, and kindness.
Galatians 5:22–23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control…”
Trying to control our words and emotions without God will fail. We need a renewed heart and Spirit-filled life.
Even in the Old Testament, cursing your parents was a capital offense:
Exodus 21:17
“Whoever curses his father or his mother shall be put to death.”
This shows the weight God places on respectful speech—especially toward others in positions of honor. Our culture may normalize insults, but Scripture does not.
Jesus reminds us that God sees beyond appearances. He cares about what’s going on in your heart. So before hatred or harsh words ever turn into violence, God wants to deal with it at the root. That’s why we’re called to repent, forgive, and walk in love.
Ephesians 4:26–27
“In your anger do not sin… Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”
Let us ask the Lord daily: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)
Shalom
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Let’s begin by reading the passage in context:
Matthew 11:12–13
“From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John.”
At face value, verse 13 might seem like it means the Law and the Prophets (the Old Testament) predicted the coming of John the Baptist specifically. But that’s not quite what Jesus is saying.
Instead, He is pointing out a transition in redemptive history. The phrase “the Law and the Prophets” is a common Jewish way of referring to the Hebrew Scriptures (see Matthew 5:17, Luke 24:44). These Scriptures governed God’s covenant relationship with Israel, offering His commandments through Moses and speaking His will through prophets.
Jesus is identifying John the Baptist as the last in the line of the Old Testament prophets—the final messenger under the old covenant who prepares the way for the Messiah (cf. Isaiah 40:3, Malachi 3:1; 4:5).
Luke 16:16
“The Law and the Prophets were until John; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is preached, and everyone forces his way into it.”
This verse from Luke echoes the same point but with added clarity. John’s appearance marks the end of one era and the beginning of another—the inauguration of the kingdom of God through the preaching of the gospel.
Under the Old Covenant:
But under the New Covenant, established through Christ:
Hebrews 1:1–2
“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son…”
So when Jesus says the Law and the Prophets “prophesied until John,” He is marking the end of that former way of God communicating with His people. From John onward, the good news of the kingdom is preached—not just to Israel but to all who would believe.
Matthew 11:12, “the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force,” is complex, but here’s a balanced interpretation:
In other words, Jesus is highlighting the urgency and spiritual effort it takes to respond to the gospel. This doesn’t mean salvation is earned by works—but that entering God’s kingdom requires serious commitment, turning from sin, and trusting Christ fully.
We no longer need a prophet or priest to bring us near to God. Through Jesus Christ, the way has been opened:
Hebrews 10:19–22
“Since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus… let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith…”
The time of waiting for God’s Word through a prophet is over. Today, every believer can walk in fellowship with God, guided by Scripture and the Holy Spirit.
Let us then press in with all our hearts. The kingdom of God is open—but we must pursue it with faith, repentance, and spiritual hunger.
James 4:8
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”
May the Lord help us to seek His kingdom earnestly and live as faithful citizens in it.
Question: What is the meaning of Isaiah 24:16–18, especially the part where the prophet says, “My leanness! My leanness!”?
Answer:
Isaiah 24:16–18:
16 From the ends of the earth we hear singing: “Glory to the Righteous One.” But I said, “I waste away, I waste away! Woe to me! The treacherous betray! With treachery the treacherous betray!” 17 Terror and pit and snare await you, people of the earth. 18 Whoever flees at the sound of terror will fall into a pit; whoever climbs out of the pit will be caught in a snare. The floodgates of the heavens are opened, the foundations of the earth shake.
Isaiah hears voices from the ends of the earth praising “the Righteous One.” This is a prophetic vision of global worship directed toward the Messiah — Jesus Christ. The title “Righteous One” aligns with messianic titles found elsewhere in Scripture (see Acts 3:14, Isaiah 53:11). His arrival is portrayed as glorious and praiseworthy, echoing how angels and people celebrated Christ’s birth and entrance into Jerusalem (cf. Luke 2:10–14; John 12:12–13).
Immediately after hearing these praises, Isaiah exclaims in sorrow:
“I waste away! Woe to me! The treacherous betray!”
The phrase “I waste away” (or “My leanness!” Isaiah is heartbroken not because of the glory of the Messiah, but because of how people will respond to Him — with betrayal, not worship. This betrayal culminated historically in the rejection and crucifixion of Christ by His own people (cf. John 1:11, Luke 23:18–23).
Verses 17–18 then shift to a warning of judgment:
This is apocalyptic language, describing the “Day of the Lord” — a future time when God will judge the earth (cf. Zephaniah 1:14–18, Revelation 6:12–17). The shaking of the earth and the opening of the heavens speak to divine wrath and cosmic upheaval, emphasizing that no one can escape God’s justice without His mercy.
The message is clear: the Righteous One has come — and will come again. To reject Him is to face eternal judgment. As Paul writes, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23,), and “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23a). But “the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23b).
Salvation is not based on our good works, but on faith in Jesus Christ (cf. Ephesians 2:8–9). If we reject Him, we are left to face judgment alone — and we will not stand. But if we receive Him, our sins are forgiven, and our names are written in the Book of Life (cf. Revelation 20:15).
If you haven’t yet accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, now is the time. The end of the age is near. If you were to die today, are you confident you would be with God?
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” – Romans 10:13
May the Lord bless you.
Shalom.
ANSWER: Jesus was frequently surrounded by large crowds who admired Him, many recognizing Him as a prophet and teacher. This made it difficult for the religious leaders to arrest Him during the day without causing an uproar. They feared the public reaction, knowing the people believed in Jesus’ righteousness and authority.
Matthew 21:45–46
[45] When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking about them. [46] And although they were seeking to arrest Him, they feared the crowds, because they held Him to be a prophet.
Arresting Jesus at night allowed the religious leaders to avoid confrontation with the crowds. It was a calculated move driven by fear and hypocrisy. They approached Him with swords and clubs—as if He were a dangerous criminal—despite knowing that He was innocent.
This action revealed their guilty conscience. They chose darkness because their deeds were evil, echoing a consistent biblical theme: those who act unjustly prefer darkness to avoid being exposed by the light.
Mark 14:48–49
[48] And Jesus said to them, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture Me? [49] Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me. But let the Scriptures be fulfilled.”
This moment was not accidental—it fulfilled God’s divine plan for salvation. The arrest of Jesus, His suffering, and His crucifixion were foretold in Scripture (see Isaiah 53). Though the religious leaders believed they were silencing Him, they were actually fulfilling God’s redemptive purpose.
This contrast between light and darkness is central to Christian theology. Jesus is described as the Light of the world—the One who exposes sin, offers truth, and gives life. His arrest in the darkness highlights the spiritual blindness of those who rejected Him.
John 1:4–5
[4] In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. [5] The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Despite being betrayed and arrested under the cover of night, Jesus’ light could not be extinguished. Instead, His death and resurrection became the very means through which humanity would be offered eternal life.
Jesus was arrested at night not because of chance, but because of fear, hypocrisy, and the fulfillment of prophecy. In doing so, the darkness revealed itself—but it also revealed the unstoppable power of God’s light and grace.
Believe in Christ. Let His light shine in your heart and overcome every shadow.
The Way of the Cross (also known as the Stations of the Cross) is a devotional practice commonly observed in the Roman Catholic Church. It is intended to help believers reflect on the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ by symbolically retracing His final steps—from His condemnation by Pontius Pilate to His burial.
In Jerusalem, the path traditionally taken by pilgrims stretches about 600 meters, beginning at the Fortress of Antonia (believed to be where Jesus was sentenced) and ending at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre—considered to be near the place of His burial. Every Good Friday, Catholics walk this path in remembrance of Christ’s passion. For those outside Jerusalem, the practice is often carried out within churches, where worshippers move from image to image representing 14 key moments (or stations) in Jesus’ journey to the cross, pausing at each to pray.
While the Way of the Cross is a meaningful tradition for many, it is important to ask: Is it biblically accurate? Not all of these 14 events are supported by Scripture.
The Bible warns us not to add to or take away from God’s Word:
“Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.” — Proverbs 30:6
“For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book.” — Revelation 22:18
As sincere as the intention might be, the practice of praying through the Stations—especially when focused on images or locations—can drift into idolatry, something the Bible clearly forbids:
“You shall not make for yourself a carved image… you shall not bow down to them nor serve them.” — Exodus 20:4–5
Jesus Himself told the Samaritan woman:
“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” — John 4:24
While meditating on Christ’s suffering is biblical (Philippians 3:10), turning it into a ritual that is not grounded in Scripture or based on unverifiable events may lead people away from true worship. Our reflection on the cross should come from biblical truth, not man-made traditions.
Furthermore, Jesus never instructed His followers to commemorate His suffering through stations or pilgrimage. Instead, He commanded us to remember His death through the Lord’s Supper:
“Do this in remembrance of Me.” — Luke 22:19
The Way of the Cross, as practiced in Catholic tradition, contains a mixture of biblical and non-biblical elements. While reflecting on Jesus’ suffering is valuable, Christians should be careful not to base their faith practices on traditions not found in Scripture. Our focus should remain on the Word of God—complete, inspired, and sufficient.
Let our worship be guided by truth, not human invention.
Leviticus 19:32, God commands us:
“You shall rise before the gray-headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God: I am the Lord.”
This verse teaches us the importance of showing respect and honoring the elderly, particularly those who have lived long lives and gained wisdom. The phrase “rise before” is not just about standing up physically when an elder enters the room. It signifies approaching them with reverence, listening to their counsel, and treating them with dignity.
Why Should We Honor the Elderly?
The Bible consistently emphasizes the value of wisdom that comes with age. Older people, particularly those who are in Christ, are viewed as possessing greater spiritual insight. Their life experiences, combined with their understanding of Scripture, make them invaluable sources of guidance for younger generations.
Job 12:12, we read:
“Wisdom is with aged men, and with length of days, understanding.”
This verse underscores the theological truth that wisdom is tied to experience and longevity, especially in the context of a faithful life. Elders have witnessed God’s faithfulness through various seasons of life, which provides them with insights that the younger generation may lack.
Proverbs 16:31 reminds us:
“The silver-haired head is a crown of glory; It is found in the way of righteousness.”
This verse reinforces the idea that the elderly are to be honored as they embody wisdom and righteousness. Their long life is a testimony of God’s grace and faithfulness.
So, if you’re seeking advice or direction in life—whether it’s in relationships, career, or other important matters—look to those who are older and wiser, especially those who follow Christ. They can provide guidance based on years of living according to God’s Word.
Proverbs 23:22 also advises:
“Listen to your father who begot you, And do not despise your mother when she is old.”
This teaches us the principle of listening to the older generation and valuing their input, particularly in the context of family and spiritual growth.
But There’s More Than Just Seeking Wisdom—We Are Called to Honor Them.
Leviticus 19:32 doesn’t just command us to seek wisdom from the elderly, but also to honor them. The call to “honor the presence of an old man” means that we should treat them with profound respect, regardless of their mistakes or imperfections. This is a vital part of Christian living—respecting others, especially those who have lived before us and have walked with God through many seasons of life.
In all things, we are called to recognize that elders, especially those in Christ, possess wisdom and understanding that surpasses that of the youth. Their lives are testimonies of God’s faithfulness and His work in human lives. Honoring them, listening to them, and seeking their counsel aligns with the teachings of Scripture and reflects our respect for God’s order and His wisdom.
May we remember that in honoring the elderly, we honor God Himself, who is the ultimate source of wisdom and understanding.
You may ask yourself, What did the Lord Jesus mean when He said, “What I tell you in the dark, speak in the light”?Where is this “dark place”? What does it mean to “hear in secret”? Does Jesus really speak in hidden places?
Matthew 10:26–27 (NIV)26 “So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.”27 “What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.”
It is important to understand the way our Lord Jesus taught during His ministry on earth. There were teachings He shared openly with everyone, but there were also things He did not reveal to all people.
Many of His sermons were preached publicly. However, there were times when things were different. For example, sometimes He separated Himself and went up a mountain, and only those who followed Him were taught (Matthew 5:1). At other times, He entered a house privately because He wanted to teach only His disciples (Mark 9:29–31). Sometimes He healed people and instructed them not to tell anyone (Mark 1:44). There was also the moment He revealed His glory on the mountain to only three disciples, and afterward instructed them not to tell anyone until after His resurrection (Matthew 17:1–9).
These were moments when Jesus spoke in ways not everyone could see or know. These situations are what He referred to as “in the dark” or “in secret.”
This teaches us that even today, Jesus still speaks publicly, but He also speaks privately. And often, what He speaks in secret is deeper and greater, which is why it is not meant for everyone.
Many people hear Jesus publicly through church sermons, conferences, seminars, and teachings. Truly, Jesus teaches much through His servants, and we benefit greatly from these gatherings.
But every Christian must also have a private place with Jesus.
It is your quiet place of prayer and reflection.
Every believer should set aside a special time every day to enter God’s presence to pray, read the Word, and meditate on His goodness. This is extremely important.
Psalm 91:1 (NIV)“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Matthew 6:6 (NIV)“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Psalm 91:1 (NIV)“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
Matthew 6:6 (NIV)“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Here, Jesus is teaching us that we must be willing to pay a price to hear Him, to be ministered to by Him, and to be taught by Him just like those who were willing to follow Him up the mountain. In the same way, you must be intentional about remaining in God’s presence. If the daytime is full of distractions, the night can be a beautiful time to rise and spend quality hours with the Lord, giving Him room to teach you.
When you live this way, you will not miss the Lord. Stay in His secret place, because He is there and He will entrust you with things that He will later allow you to declare openly.
Crucifixion is a form of punishment where a person is hung on a wooden cross or upright stake, with their hands and feet either tied or nailed in place, and left there until they die.
This was a cruel and painful execution method used in ancient times by powerful empires such as Rome. People accused of serious crimes like treason, rebellion, or murder were not given a quick death such as beheading. Instead, they were subjected to this slow and extremely painful punishment. A person could hang on the cross for two to three days, and sometimes even longer, suffering continuously until death finally came.
This is the punishment chosen for our Savior, Jesus Christ although He was completely innocent and without sin. Even Governor Pilate testified that Jesus had done nothing wrong:
Luke 23:4 (NIV)Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.”
But the Scriptures had to be fulfilled so that we could receive complete redemption. Jesus had to suffer deeply so that you and I could receive the forgiveness of sins through His death.
The price He paid was beyond measure He was stripped, humiliated, beaten, and His whole body was wounded. He endured all of this so that we could receive forgiveness, be saved from sin, and be rescued from eternal judgment in hell.
That is why the Bible says:
Hebrews 2:3 (NIV)How shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him.
Have you received Jesus into your life?
If not, you can surrender to Him today and receive this great salvation.
Why does the date of Easter change every year?For example, in 2023 Easter fell on April 9, while in 2024 it is on March 31. It is expected to change again in the coming years. Why is this the case, when Christmas is always celebrated on the same date December 25 every year?
First of all, it is important to understand that Passover is one of the seven feasts of the Jews. It is celebrated on the 14th day of the first month in the Jewish calendar. This first month usually falls between mid-March and mid-April in the Gregorian calendar that we use today.
Now, as to why the date of Easter changes each year for Christians: it is because Easter is determined by the appearance of the full moon.
When the full moon appears (that is, when the moon is fully illuminated), the Sunday that follows is the day most Christians observe as Easter Sunday.
There are years when the full moon appears earlier, and other years when it appears later. This means that if the full moon appears on a Wednesday, then the following Sunday four days later will be Easter Sunday.
In 2023, the full moon appeared on Wednesday, April 5, so the following Sunday, April 9, was celebrated as Easter Sunday.
In 2024, the full moon appeared earlier, on Monday, March 25, making Sunday, March 31, Easter Sunday.
In 2025, the full moon is expected to appear on Sunday, April 13, and therefore the following Sunday, April 20, will be Easter Sunday.
This is why the date of Easter changes from year to year it is determined by the timing of the full moon, not by a fixed calendar date like Christmas.
To learn what Easter truly represents and whether Christians are biblically permitted to observe it, follow the link below:
WHAT IS EASTER? AND ARE CHRISTIANS ALLOWED TO CELEBRATE IT?
Question:What was the spiritual meaning behind Jesus being crowned with thorns during His crucifixion?
Answer:The crown of thorns placed on Jesus’ head wasn’t just a cruel act of mockery and torture by Roman soldiers—it held a profound spiritual message. Every detail of Jesus’ suffering carried significance in God’s redemptive plan. The crown of thorns, in particular, symbolized Jesus carrying the curse of sin and restoring humanity to spiritual fruitfulness.
When Jesus was arrested and brought before the Roman authorities, He was accused of claiming to be a king. As a way to mock this claim, the soldiers dressed Him in a purple robe (a symbol of royalty), handed Him a reed as a mock scepter, and twisted a crown of thorns to place on His head. They mocked Him, bowed sarcastically, and struck Him repeatedly.
John 19:2–3 (NIV):“The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe and went up to him again and again, saying, ‘Hail, king of the Jews!’ And they slapped him in the face.”
While this was done in mockery, it was also a prophetic act Jesus was, in truth, the King of Kings (Revelation 19:16), but His kingship was not of this world (John 18:36).
To fully understand the significance of the thorns, we need to go back to the book of Genesis. When Adam and Eve sinned, God pronounced a curse on the earth. Part of that curse included thorns and thistles, which symbolized hardship, futility, and separation from the original blessing of Eden.
Genesis 3:17–18 (NKJV):“Cursed is the ground for your sake… Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, and you shall eat the herb of the field.”
This means that thorns in Scripture are a direct symbol of the curse brought by human sin. By wearing a crown made of thorns, Jesus was not only mocked but was literally bearing the curse that resulted from humanity’s disobedience.
Paul confirms this understanding in his letter to the Galatians. Jesus did not simply die for our sins He became a curse for us, so we could be restored to blessing.
Galatians 3:13 (NIV):“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole [or tree].'”
The crown of thorns, therefore, shows that Jesus bore the full weight of the curse from the ground to our minds so we might be free.
Jesus often compared the human heart to soil. In the parable of the sower, He described how God’s Word is like seed falling on different types of ground. Some of it falls among thorns.
Luke 8:14 (NIV):“The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way, they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.”
The “thorns” here represent worldly distractions riches, anxieties, and pleasures that prevent spiritual growth. These are the same thorns Jesus bore on His head, showing that He came not only to forgive sin but to heal the condition of the human heart and remove the spiritual obstacles that choke our lives.
Through Christ’s redemptive work, our cursed “soil” (our hearts) can now become fruitful. He came to transform us from the inside out. Jesus said:
John 15:5 (NIV):“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
We now have the power, through His Spirit, to live fruitful lives lives full of peace, love, self-control, and purpose (see Galatians 5:22–23). This is the reversal of the curse that began in Eden.
John 1:12 (NKJV):“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.”
When you genuinely turn to Jesus repenting from your sins, believing in Him, being baptized, and receiving His Spirit you receive the power to live differently. The Holy Spirit teaches you to say “no” to the world and “yes” to a godly life.
Titus 2:11–12 (NIV):“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”
Have you truly received Jesus?
Without Him, it’s impossible to overcome the pressures and temptations of this world. But with Him, you can live a new life free from the thorns that once choked your growth. His crown of thorns has made it possible for you to walk in victory.
Romans 8:37 (NKJV):“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”