Like the errant newspapers of today, the religious leaders in Israel had misinterpreted the facts about the true meaning of the Law and had disseminated their misinformation among their fellow Jews for centuries. Jesus gives the correct interpretation of the law.

Note: The last half of the sermon is missing, but the instructive notes for Reconciliation are below:

The appeal for corrective action: [Verse 23-24]

1. If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you:
2. Leave your gift there in front of the altar
3. First, go and be reconciled to your brother
4. Then come and offer your gift

How important is it to reconcile broken relationships? So important that it takes priority over everything else – including worship!!

1. Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court
2. Do it while you are still with him on the way

On the way to where? To civil court – the place that Paul exhorts believers in conflict to avoid at all costs since it represents an utter failure on the part of Christ-following believers (1 Cor 6:1-6).

1. The rationale: [Verse 25-26]
2. Reconciliation is preferable to imprisonment
3. Or he may hand you over to the judge
4. The judge may hand you over to the officer
5. You may be thrown into prison
6. You will not get out until you have paid the last penny

Penny = Kodrantes = “One tenth of a denarius (a day’s pay)

It was the smallest Roman coin in use among the Jews at that time.

Biblical process of reconciliation: Matthew 5:23-24; 18:15-17

1. 1. Be willing to see your own fault/sin and confess it
2. Be eager to repent of your sin
3. Be ready to ask for forgiveness for your sin
4. 4. Be prepared to make restitution when appropriate

May God bless you through this message!

You can support this ministry: Donate

The Epic Life https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com