The Subtle Murder

- 1 John 3:14-15

INTRODUCTION

The Lord came to the earth on a mission to die on the cross for the sins of the world, but that is not all that He accomplished through the cross. He also came to give mankind a greater revelation of the Father. The Bible says that the law was a shadow (Hebrews 10:1
), but Christ was the image (2 Corinthians 4:4
; Colossians 1:15
; Hebrews 1:3
). This contrast is presented in Matthew chapter 5 where the Lord said, “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time . . . But I say unto you” (Matthew 5:21-22 ; Matthew 5:27-28 ; Matthew 5:31-32 ; Matthew 5:33-34 ; Matthew 5:38-39 ; Matthew 5:43-44 ). In old time, the commandment concerned the act of murder, but now “Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer” (Matthew 5:21-22 ; 1 John 3:15
).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Saul hated David and tried to kill him (1 Samuel 18:8-11 , 17; 1 Samuel 20:31-33 ). Yet, David did not hate him and spared his life (1 Samuel 24:11
  ; 1 Samuel 26:8-9 ). Even after Saul’s death, David spoke kindly of him (2 Samuel 1:17
  , 23-25).
• (For everyone): Murder springs from hatred. How did the Lord Jesus offer a more perfect revelation of the mind of God the Father by emphasizing the dangers of hatred?
• Hatred compels one to murder, but love compels one to die for another. Which of these is a better representation of the nature of God?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Thank the Lord for demonstrating the beauty of love.
• Ask the Lord to help us to go beyond the letter of the law.