In the words of Ed Stetzer, “it is a warning that we need to understand the risks and threats associated with new habits and tools before we allow them unfettered access to our lives, our households, and our communities.”

We live in the Age of Outrage. The question we must ask ourselves now, as Jesus-followers, is this: how do we live as Jesus would have lived in this cultural moment?

Sermon on the Mount: Be Mindful of 3 Things:

The Sermon on the Mount is not an isolated speech. Rather the sermon is an exemplification or personification of Jesus’ life.

The whole sermon is Christ describing what life in the kingdom and allegiance to Him looks like.

Obedience to the Sermon on the Mount is a practice of imagination.

Jesus’ Antithetical Statements = “You have heard it said… but I say”

Each Antithetical Statement:

Jesus quotes from the Old Testament, His Bible

Jesus interprets, extends, or illuminates that quotation and at times opposes how the Jews have previously interpreted that quote

Jesus probes behind the original scripture into God’s mind and heart

And finally, Jesus reveals what the intent of the scripture is and how His followers are to live in accordance

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’” - Matthew 5:21

“But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment…” - Matthew 5:22a

“Whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.” - Matthew 5: 22b

“the anger of the man [or woman] who nurses his [or her] wrath to keep it warm.” - David Brunner

“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” –Ephesians 4:26-27

“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” - Matthew 5:23-24

Jesus takes reconciliation very seriously. The act of sacrifice or worship is not nearly as important as the spirit in which it is done.

“Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.” - Matthew 5:25-26

“outrage is motivated by a desire to punish or destroy rather than reconcile and refine.” – Ed Stetzer

Characteristics of Outrage:

Outrage is disproportionate: the intensity toward the person does not match the subject matter or the way in which the other initially responded.

Outrage is selfish: anger makes us feel good; we belittle and demean others to mask our fears and insecurities.

Outrage is tribalistic: centered in the language of us vs. them, cannot accept criticism.

Outrage is visceral: centered in the gut, lashing out instead of taking the time to reflect and develop a critical and thoughtful response.

Outrage is domineering: aims to shut down, silence, bully, or shame someone into submission, the use of hyperbole, profanity, and name-calling

Outrage is dishonest: leads us to make untrue statements or generalizations about an opponent to score rhetorical points.

We can know our anger toward someone has gone beyond a momentary emotion or disagreement to full-on outrage when it becomes disproportionate, selfish, tribalistic, visceral, domineering and/or dishonest.

My challenge for you today is this: How have you participated in the age of outrage? For whom have you carried disproportionate, selfish, tribalistic, visceral, domineering and/or dishonest anger against?

Who do you need to reconcile with?