“You shall not murder.” Exodus 20:13
Scripture Reading: Genesis 4:3-15
Memory Verse: “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment. But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment.’ And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.” Matthew 5:21-22
Introduction:
Man was created in the image of God. We honor God by protecting His image. And so, the commandment, “You shall not murder” challenges us to value our fellow man and to preserve life.
God is our creator. Psalm 139 speaks of mankind as being “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). It also speaks of God knowing the length of our days on earth before we were even born (Psalm 139:16) and knowing “my sitting down and my rising up” (Psalm 139:2). Even the very hairs on our head are numbered (Matthew 10:30); all 8 billion of us. How great is our God! That God knows each of us this well expresses His love for us. He cares for each person and desires the best for us. The life of each person is a precious gift. Each day of our life is to be appreciated as a gift from the Heavenly Father.
God also made a distinction between man and animals. The creation account in Genesis 1 makes this distinction. From the beginning, man was to have dominion over the animals. The Bible describes this by saying that men have one kind of flesh and animals have another (1 Corinthians 15:39). Man was created by God, and also man was created “for Him” (Colossians 1:16). Only man, not animals, has this higher purpose.
The Bible is very clear that God spoke, and the world came into being. Man did not evolve through time and chance. Understanding and believing this provides the foundation for the commandment, “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13). Since the sin of Adam, man is controlled by his sinful nature and does not like to recognize the God that created the universe. The view of the world that all life has evolved and that discounts the truth of the first 11 chapters of Genesis, diminishes the value of life. It leads to drive-by shootings, abortion, and even suicide.
The words, “You shall not murder.” (Exodus 20:13) are speaking of intent. The laws of Moses describe what it means to “murder.” This command protects the weak from the strong. It protects the unborn in the womb. By this command, suicide is prohibited, we do not have the right to rob our fellow man of our presence. Jesus gives more meaning to the command when he says that whosoever says to his brother, “‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire” (Matthew 5:22). This commandment then prohibits slander and gossip, where we wish death on someone else by our words or thoughts.
Lesson Questions:
- Genesis 1:27 says that mankind was made in the image of God. In what sense are we made in the image of God?
- Who was the first murderer? John 8:44; 1 John 3:8
- Envy is defined by Webster as discontent at another’s possessing what one would like for himself. What was God’s view of Cain’s attitude? Genesis 4:6-7; 1 John 3:12. Cain’s sin of envy led to what two other sins? Genesis 4:8-9
- What is the source of murder? Matthew 15:19; Galatians 5:19-21
- Does this commandment negate the death penalty? Genesis 9:6; Romans 13:4; but see Ezekiel 33:11
- Life is God’s most precious gift to man. Who, only, has the right to take it? Deuteronomy 32:39; Psalm 68:20
- Many people who would not think of harming another believe suicide is justifiable. Why is taking one’s own life a sin? Genesis 1:27; Ezekiel 18:4
- Do we break the sixth commandment when we choose not to use medical intervention to prolong the life of a loved one who does not have a great chance of survival? Genesis 3:19; Ecclesiastes 3:1-2; Psalm 103:14-16; Hebrews 9:27
- Discuss the broader application Jesus gives to the commandment in Matthew 5:21-22.
- How does John describe a person who hates his brother? 1 John 3:15; 4:20