Biblical Text

“Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court[k] with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.” (Matthew 5.25-26, NRSV)

Reflection Video

For the video with the reflection on Matthew 5.25-26 click here.

Clarification

The Greek word adelphos, meaning brother, is almost a technical word in the Gospel of Matthew that functions as a synonym for “Christian.” Hence, the NRSV often translates it with the phrase ‘brother or sister’.

Questions

• Can you think of people whom you have hurt, even if the offense seems small to you? How do you know that you hurt them? What have you done in light of knowing that they are hurt? Have your actions harmed or healed the relationship?
• Do you think it practical that the “onus of initiative” falls on Christians? Why would Jesus say this? How do you think a conflict between two Christians should be addressed?