Question
What did Jesus mean in Matthew 5:30?
Answer
In Matthew 5:30, Jesus was using graphic language to emphasize the terrors of hell. Specifically, he was saying that going to hell is worse that being dismembered. His point was that people should do everything they can to avoid hell, specifically by avoiding the sin that gets us sent there.
His instruction, however, was hyperbolic. He didn't really want anyone to cut off a hand or pluck out an eye. Rather, he wanted them to avoid sin like the plague, and he wanted them to avoid the things that caused them to sin. To confirm this, simply note the many other hyperbolic statements in the immediate context (e.g., Matt. 5:22), as well as the fact that of all the sinners Jesus encountered, he healed many but helped none perform an amputation.
His instruction, however, was hyperbolic. He didn't really want anyone to cut off a hand or pluck out an eye. Rather, he wanted them to avoid sin like the plague, and he wanted them to avoid the things that caused them to sin. To confirm this, simply note the many other hyperbolic statements in the immediate context (e.g., Matt. 5:22), as well as the fact that of all the sinners Jesus encountered, he healed many but helped none perform an amputation.
Ra McLaughlin is Vice President of Finance and Administration at Third Millennium Ministries.
Third Millennium Ministries is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA)- Thirdmill
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