Summary notes
Leave – Go – Be Reconciled – Make Friends
Jesus’ command to, “Make friends quickly with your opponent at law…” is part of the same paragraph as the command to, “…leave your offering …and go …be reconciled…” Therefore the two ideas are related.
Previous post link: Leave Your Offering and Go Be Reconciled
Broken Trust Requires Proof
When I’ve wronged someone their trust in me is broken so that my words and promises become meaningless to them. Its only logical that they need some proof of my sincerity. Reconciling with some people may mean more than just me saying that I’m sorry; I may need to also offer some kind of tangible consideration. By “consideration,” I mean paying back what I owe them or giving back what I took if possible. If the offense was a relationship issue, then beyond humbly seeking forgiveness I might consider what actions I can take to demonstrate my sincerity. I suppose there are innumerable ways to say, “I’m sorry” and to follow up with action.
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COMMAND 9: “Make friends quickly …”
Mt 5:25; Also see Lk 12:58 which is a similar command in a different context.
RECIPIENT: To the disciples in the hearing of the crowds on the mountain.
Mt 5:1-2 When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. 2He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying…
CONTEXT: A continuation of the Sermon on the Mount:
Mt 5:21-24 “You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT MURDER’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.’ 22“But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty {enough to go} into the fiery hell. 23Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.”
COMMAND FULL TEXT AND IMMEDIATE RESULT:
Mt 5:25-26 “Make friends quickly with your opponent at law while you are with him on the way so that your opponent may not hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. 26“Truly I say to you, you will not come out of there until you have paid up the last cent.”
RESULT:
After Jesus concluded the sermon, two chapters later:
Mt 7:28-29; 8:1 When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching; 29 for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.
1When Jesus came down from the mountain, large crowds followed Him.
COMMENT:
This is practical information. When I’ve wronged someone trust is broken so that my words and promises become meaningless unless there is proof of my sincerity. Reconciling with some people will likely involve asking forgiveness and restitution or some other kind of tangible consideration if property or money was involved. Restitution may have many forms. If the offense was a relationship issue then humbly seek forgiveness.
DEFINITIONS: Key Greek Words – Removes ambiguity of the Bible text
(word: Strong’s # Greek pronunciation — definition)
make: G2468 ἴσθι is’-thee — an imperative, be thou
friends: G2132 εὐνόεω yoo-no-eh’-ō — to be well minded
quickly: G5035 ταχύ takh-oo’ — shortly implying without delay, soon or suddenly
opponent at law: G476 ἀντίδικος an-tid’-ee-kos — an opponent in a lawsuit
MY PERSONAL APPLICATION: I encourage you to make your own application
There is an old saying that, “Actions speak louder than words.” I should be prepared to “make friends” when I go to reconcile with someone. Perhaps I will consider how appropriate it would be to bring proof of my sincerity with actions and/or restitution.
Below, please share your comments , question or perhaps your own application for this command
© 2018 Christopher Carlson