Beyond Murder: The Heart of Contempt and Value
Summary
In Exodus 20:13, God commands, “You shall not murder.” At first glance, this seems straightforward—most of us have never physically taken a life, so we might be tempted to check this command off our list and move on. But Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, reveals the deeper wisdom and heart behind this command. He teaches that the root of murder is not just the act itself, but the contempt, anger, and devaluation of others that can take root in our hearts. In God’s eyes, harboring anger or belittling someone with our words is spiritually akin to murder, because it springs from the same soil of contempt.
Contempt is the attitude that says, “You are worthless. I am your judge.” When we treat others as less valuable, we put ourselves in the place of God, the only one who determines human worth. Every person is made in the image of God, stamped with infinite value—not because of what they do, but because of who made them and what was paid for them. Just as a piece of art is valued by what someone is willing to pay, our worth is established by the price Jesus paid—his very life.
Jesus warns that even small acts of disrespect or mockery are dangerous, like lighting a fire that can consume our souls. The valley he references, once a place of child sacrifice and judgment, is a sobering reminder of where unchecked contempt leads. We are called to examine our hearts: Who have we belittled, ignored, or treated as less than human? The command not to murder is not just about refraining from violence, but about actively honoring the image of God in every person.
This teaching also challenges our culture’s shifting definitions of life and death, especially around issues like abortion and assisted dying. Only God has the authority to determine the value of a life. Yet, even in our failures—whether through actions, words, or attitudes—there is hope. God’s grace is greater than our guilt. Through Jesus, we are offered forgiveness, restoration, and the invitation to love as he loves. We are precious to God, and so is every person we encounter. Let us reject contempt and fill our lives with the love of our Savior.
Key Takeaways
- The True Meaning of “Do Not Murder”
God’s command goes far beyond the physical act of murder. Jesus reveals that anger, contempt, and belittling words are rooted in the same heart posture as murder. The call is not just to avoid violence, but to root out the seeds of contempt that devalue others in our hearts. [42:29]
- Contempt Usurps God’s Authority
When we treat others with contempt—whether through insults, mockery, or indifference—we place ourselves in the role of judge, a position reserved for God alone. Only God determines the value of a human life, and every person bears his image and is infinitely precious. To belittle another is to challenge God’s creative authority and love. [47:14]
- The Danger of Small Fires
Jesus warns that even minor acts of disrespect, sarcasm, or mockery are spiritually dangerous. These “small fires” of contempt, if left unchecked, can consume our souls and lead us far from the heart of God. The valley of judgment Jesus references is a stark reminder of the destructive power of unchecked contempt. [51:46]
- Cultural Confusion and God’s Standard
Our culture often redefines what counts as life and death, especially in debates about abortion and assisted dying. Yet, Scripture insists that only God has the right to determine the value and timing of a human life. We are called to honor life at every stage, even when society’s definitions shift, and to trust God’s wisdom above our own. [56:33]
- Grace for the Guilty and Hope for the Broken
No matter our past—whether we have harbored anger, spoken words of contempt, or even participated in acts we now regret—God’s grace is available. Jesus’ sacrifice covers all our failures, offering forgiveness, restoration, and a new way to love. We are invited to receive his love and extend it to others, rejecting contempt and embracing the immeasurable worth God places on every soul. [59:19]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Introduction: The Fifth Commandment and a Change of Plans
[02:10] - “You Shall Not Murder”: The Command’s Simplicity and Complexity
[03:30] - Killing vs. Murder: Biblical Definitions
[05:00] - God’s Justice and the Limits of the Command
[06:30] - Jesus and the Heart of the Law
[08:00] - The Sermon on the Mount: Raising the Stakes
[10:00] - Anger and Judgment: Jesus’ Deeper Standard
[12:00] - The Progression: Murder, Rage, Insult, and Mockery
[14:00] - The Root of Contempt
[16:00] - The Image of God and Human Value
[18:00] - Everyday Contempt: Practical Examples
[20:00] - The Valley of Judgment: The Consequences of Contempt
[22:00] - Personal Story: Conviction and Change of Heart
[24:00] - Who Have You Treated with Contempt?
[26:00] - Cultural Issues: Abortion, Assisted Dying, and the Value of Life
[28:00] - Grace, Forgiveness, and the Invitation to Love
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: “You Shall Not Murder – The Heart Behind the Command”
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### Bible Reading
Exodus 20:13 (ESV)
> “You shall not murder.”
Matthew 5:21-22 (ESV)
> “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 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 hell of fire.”
Genesis 1:27 (ESV)
> “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Jesus in Matthew 5, what actions or attitudes are placed on the same level as murder? ([42:29])
2. What does the word “raka” mean, and why does Jesus mention it alongside anger and murder? ([45:38])
3. In Genesis 1:27, what does it mean that every person is made in the image of God? How does this connect to the value of human life discussed in the sermon? ([47:14])
4. What real-life examples did the pastor give of treating others with contempt or belittling them? ([50:25])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus equate anger and contempt with murder in God’s eyes? What is the heart issue he is addressing? ([42:29])
2. How does treating someone with contempt “usurp God’s authority” over human value? ([47:14])
3. The sermon describes small acts of disrespect as “lighting a fire” that can consume our souls. What does this metaphor mean, and why is it spiritually dangerous? ([51:46])
4. How does our culture’s shifting definitions of life and death (such as abortion and assisted dying) challenge the biblical view of the value of life? ([56:33])
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon asks, “Who have you belittled, ignored, or treated as less than human?” Is there someone in your life you need to see differently or treat with more honor? What would it look like to take a step toward loving them this week? ([54:03])
2. Think about a recent time when you felt anger or frustration toward someone. How did you respond? What would it look like to respond in a way that honors the image of God in that person? ([44:28])
3. The pastor shared a story about being convicted of subtle contempt toward a friend. Can you relate to this? Are there “small fires” of sarcasm, mockery, or indifference in your relationships that you need to address? ([53:19])
4. When you hear that every person is “infinitely valuable” because of who made them and what was paid for them, how does that challenge the way you see people you disagree with or find difficult? ([47:14])
5. The sermon mentions that only God has the right to determine the value and timing of a human life. How does this truth affect your perspective on controversial issues like abortion or assisted dying? How can you hold to biblical convictions while showing grace to those who disagree or have been affected by these issues? ([56:33])
6. The pastor said, “God’s grace is greater than our guilt.” If you carry guilt or shame from past words, actions, or attitudes, what would it look like to receive God’s forgiveness and walk in freedom? ([59:19])
7. What is one practical way you can “reject contempt and fill your life with the love of our Savior” this week—in your home, workplace, or community? ([59:19])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to reveal any areas of contempt or anger in your heart, to help you see others as he sees them, and to fill you with his love and grace for every person you encounter.
Devotional
Day 1: The True Meaning of "You Shall Not Murder"
The commandment "You shall not murder" is often misunderstood as a simple prohibition against taking a life, but its true meaning is deeper. The original Hebrew word specifically refers to murder—the intentional and unjustified destruction of a human person—not all forms of killing. This distinction matters because it reveals God's heart for justice and the value of human life. God alone determines the value of life, and His justice is not the same as human acts of murder. As you reflect on this command, consider not just your actions, but the attitudes and intentions of your heart toward others. [37:38]
Exodus 20:13 (ESV)
"You shall not murder."
Reflection: In what ways have you justified anger or harsh thoughts toward others, even if you have never physically harmed anyone? How can you invite God to examine your heart today?
Day 2: Jesus Reveals the Heart Behind the Command
Jesus teaches that the commandment against murder is not just about outward actions, but about the condition of our hearts. He equates anger and contempt with murder, showing that harboring rage or belittling others is just as serious in God's eyes as the act itself. Jesus calls us to move beyond legalistic obedience and to embody the wisdom and love that fulfill the law. He invites us to examine our hearts for anger, resentment, and contempt, and to seek transformation from the inside out. [42:29]
Matthew 5:21-22 (ESV)
"You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 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 hell of fire."
Reflection: When was the last time you felt anger or contempt toward someone? What would it look like to surrender that feeling to Jesus and seek reconciliation?
Day 3: Every Person Bears God’s Image and Infinite Value
Every human being is created in the image of God, which is the foundation of human dignity and worth. Just as a work of art is valued by its creator and the price paid for it, so each person is infinitely valuable because God made them and Jesus gave His life for them. When we treat others with contempt or belittle them, we are denying their God-given worth and putting ourselves in the place of God. Instead, we are called to honor the divine imprint in every person, recognizing that they are precious to God. [47:14]
Genesis 1:27 (ESV)
"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."
Reflection: Who in your life have you overlooked, belittled, or treated as less valuable? What is one specific way you can honor their God-given worth this week?
Day 4: The Destructive Power of Contempt
Contempt is the root attitude behind murder, anger, and insults, and it is a fire that can consume our souls if left unchecked. Jesus warns that even small acts of disrespect or mockery are dangerous, as they reflect a heart that devalues others and usurps God's role as the giver of worth. The valley Jesus references—a place of child sacrifice and judgment—serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of unchecked contempt. We are called to examine our words, attitudes, and actions, and to take concrete steps toward loving those we have belittled or dismissed. [51:46]
Proverbs 18:21 (ESV)
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits."
Reflection: Think of someone you have spoken about or treated with contempt. What practical step can you take today to demonstrate love and respect toward them?
Day 5: Grace and Forgiveness for All
No matter how we have failed—whether through murder, abortion, anger, or contempt—God offers grace and forgiveness. We are all precious to Him, so much so that He sent His Son to fulfill the law, die in our place, and welcome us into His family. God’s love is not diminished by our failures; instead, He invites us to receive His forgiveness and to walk in love, rejecting contempt and embracing the immeasurable love He has for us and for others. [59:19]
Romans 8:1 (ESV)
"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: Is there a place in your life where you feel weighed down by guilt or shame? How can you open your heart to receive God’s forgiveness and let His love reshape your attitude toward yourself and others?
Quotes
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