RE Verse reading–Matthew 5:17-48 (day four) “First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.” (vs 24) Jesus is teaching the Law. He is thinking about the 6th Commandment (murder). He insists that God’s original (eventual) intent was to forbid hatred, contempt and malice. His illustration is provocative. A man is presenting an offering to God. He desires forgiveness from God, an end to wrath. While there, He remembers that his brother is also angry with him (and for equally good reasons). What should he do? He should, first, to be reconciled to his brother by apology or restitution. Then he should come to God. None of us would dare go to the Supreme Court before we straightened out the issues with the lower courts. If we ignore the rights of others (whom God protects) we are certain to have difficulty before the throne. God is higher, but (by His decision) our brothers are first.
