Single lesson
Anger and Making Peace
Matthew 5:21–26
Jesus teaches that God cares about more than avoiding murder. In these verses, he shows that angry speech and damaged relationships matter, and he calls people to seek peace without delay.
Before you teach
This passage begins with a command people had heard about murder and judgment. Jesus then speaks about anger, hostile words, a person bringing a gift at the altar, and an adversary on the way to court. Each example moves towards urgent reconciliation.
Students will identify from Matthew 5:21-26 that Jesus warns against angry, hostile speech and calls people to seek reconciliation quickly.
Welcome: When words damage peace
5 minAsk children to think about ordinary conflicts, such as arguing in a game or speaking harshly, without sharing private stories. Explain that Jesus speaks about more than murder. In this passage, he teaches that anger and hostile speech are serious and that peace with others matters.
Matthew 5:21, Matthew 5:22
Read and explain: Jesus speaks about anger
8 minRead verses 21-22 aloud. Show that Jesus begins with what people had heard about murder, then says, “But I tell you”. He warns about anger and gives examples of hostile speech, including “Raca” alongside “You fool!”. The passage treats these words as serious, not small.
Matthew 5:21, Matthew 5:22
Discuss: Reconciliation comes first
6 minRead verses 23-24. Point out the order in Jesus’ example: remember that a brother has something against you, leave the gift, go, be reconciled, then return. Explain that the passage says reconciliation should come first. As a modern application, children might suggest peaceful steps such as apologising or choosing truthful, kind words.
Matthew 5:23, Matthew 5:24
Make and respond: A quick-peace reminder
7 minRead verses 25-26 and notice the word “quickly”. Jesus’ example shows that a conflict can become more serious if it is left alone. Children choose a short line from verse 24 or 25 for a reminder card, then practise one calm sentence they could use as a modern way to seek peace.
Matthew 5:24, Matthew 5:25, Matthew 5:26
Closing: Review Jesus’ call
4 minTrace the passage again: Jesus warns about anger and hostile speech, tells the worshipper to be reconciled first, and says to agree quickly with an adversary. Invite each child to name one safe, simple way they could respond peacefully this week, as an application of the passage.
Matthew 5:22, Matthew 5:24, Matthew 5:25
Questions to explore
What does Jesus add to the command against murder in verse 22?
Guide children to notice that Jesus warns about anger and hostile words, not only the act of murder.
Matthew 5:21, Matthew 5:22
In Jesus’ altar example, what is the person told to do first?
Help them answer in the order of the text: leave the gift, go, be reconciled, then return and offer the gift.
Matthew 5:23, Matthew 5:24
What word in verses 25-26 shows that making peace should not be delayed?
Point them to the word “quickly” and to Jesus’ warning that the matter may grow more serious if it is not addressed.
Matthew 5:25, Matthew 5:26
Make, think or respond
First Be Reconciled Reminder Card
What you’ll need
- index cards or scrap paper
- pencils or pens
- coloured pencils or markers
- Bible
Try it together
- Read Matthew 5:24-25 together and let each child choose one short phrase from the passage.
- On one side of a card, write the chosen phrase in large letters.
- On the other side, write one peaceful response they could say, such as “I am sorry” or “Can we talk kindly?”
- Decorate the card with simple symbols such as speech bubbles, hearts, or footsteps.
- Invite children to read their card aloud and explain when they could use it.
This card helps children remember Jesus’ call to be reconciled first in Matthew 5:24 and to agree quickly in Matthew 5:25.
Adapt for your group
- For younger children, offer two phrase choices from the passage and let them copy one with help, then practise a single sentence such as “I’m sorry”.
- For older or stronger readers, ask them to compare Matthew 5:22, Matthew 5:24, and Matthew 5:25 and explain how the passage increases the urgency of making peace.
An optional closing prayer
You may pray: “Lord Jesus, help us take angry words seriously, choose peace, and be quick to make things right when we have hurt someone.”
Read the Bible passage World English Bible Classic
Matthew 5
21 “You have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, ‘You shall not murder;’ and ‘Whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’
22 But I tell you that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause will be in danger of the judgment. Whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ will be in danger of the council. Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of Gehenna.
23 “If therefore you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you,
24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
25 Agree with your adversary quickly while you are with him on the way; lest perhaps the prosecutor deliver you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and you be cast into prison.
26 Most certainly I tell you, you shall by no means get out of there until you have paid the last penny.
World English Bible Classic. Public domain.