Murder and Anger
Student’s Guide
Quick links in this study:
Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:21–26 challenges believers to look beyond outward behavior and examine the condition of the heart. While the commandment says, “You shall not murder,” Jesus reveals that anger, contempt, and unresolved conflict also carry serious spiritual consequences. In the Sermon on the Mount, He shows that true righteousness is not simply avoiding violent actions, but cultivating humility, reconciliation, and peace.
This student guide is designed to help individuals and groups explore Jesus’ teaching on anger and its connection to the first recorded murder in Genesis 4:1–12. The story of Cain and Abel provides a powerful example of how jealousy and unchecked anger can lead to destructive choices. By comparing these passages, students will see a consistent biblical principle: sin begins in the heart before it becomes visible in actions.
Through guided questions, Scripture reading, and reflection prompts, this worksheet encourages thoughtful discussion and personal application. Participants will examine the meaning of terms like “Raca,” the importance of reconciliation before worship, and the urgency of settling conflicts quickly.
This study is ideal for youth groups, homeschool settings, small groups, and personal devotion. The goal is not only to understand the text intellectually, but to apply it practically—identifying areas of hidden resentment, seeking restoration in relationships, and pursuing the heart transformation that Jesus calls for in His followers.
Murder and Anger Student’s Guide
Understanding the Sixth Commandment
Murder – In danger of the judgment: (Have someone read the outlined in purple)
1. Who are “those of old?” ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Where in the Bible does it say you shall not murder? _____________________________________________________________________
3. What is the difference between kill and murder? __________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4. What is the judgment of murder? ______________________________________________________________________________________
Jesus’ Interpretation of Murder (Matthew 5:22)
Jesus’ interpretation of “Murder” (have someone read the outlined verse in black Matthew 5:22)
5. What does Jesus compare murder to? ____________________________________________________________________________________
6. What is the difference between being “in danger of the judgment to murder” and being “in danger of the judgment to anger with his brother without a cause?” ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
7. What does “raca” mean? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
8. Does “brother” specifically mean just your brother? ___________________________________________________________________________________________
9. Does Jesus consider the word “Fool” a swear word, will and you be condemned to the hell of fire? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
10. What is the hellfire? ________________________________________________
Reconciliation Before Worship (Matthew 5:23-24)
Reconcile before worshiping (have someone read the outlined verse in grey Matthew 5:23-24.)
11. What does the gift represent when you bring it to the altar? __________________________________________________________________
12. Who is responsible for taking the initiative in reconciliation? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
13. Why does Jesus want you to leave your gift at the altar before you reconcile with your brother? ______________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
14. Have someone read Romans 12:18. Both verses emphasize responsibility in making peace. Why do you think restoring relationships is so important to God? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
15. What if you and your brother are not able to reconcile your differences? This is not an exhaustive list; however, what steps do you need to ensure you have met what Jesus is telling you to do?
a. _____________________________________________________________
b. _____________________________________________________________
c. _____________________________________________________________
d. _____________________________________________________________
Settling Matters Quickly (Matthew 5:25-26; Luke 12:57-59)
Jesus challenges His listeners (Have someone read the outlined verse in red Luke 12:57.)
16. In Luke 12:57, what does Jesus challenge His listeners to do? _____________________________________________________________________________________
Consequences of not reconciling. (have someone read the outlined verses in green, Matthew 5:25 and Luke 12:58.)
17. What could happen if you do not reconcile and are taken to court? ________________________________________________________________________________
18. What does Jesus tell them to do with their accuser on the way to court? __________________________________________________________________________
19. Who might the judge turn the person over to? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________
20. What is the final consequence spoken of? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________
21. As Jesus is teaching the crowd the earthly meaning, how could this be interrupted from a spiritual perspective? ________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Getting out of prison. (Have someone read the outlined verses in blue, Matthew 5:26 and Luke 12:59.)
22. What is a mite? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
23. What does Jesus say you will not get out of prison until what? ______________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The First Recorded Murder: Cain and Abel (Genesis 4)
The act of offering. (Have someone read the outlined verses in blue, Genesis 4:1-4.)
24. What is the difference between the offerings of Cain and Abel? ____________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Offering rejected. (Have someone read the outlined verse in red, Genesis 4:5.)
25. Why did God reject Cain’s offering? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
God offers counsel to Cain’s offering. (Have someone read the outlined verses in green, Genesis 4:6-7.)
26. How does God consult Cain? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Cain murders his brother. (Have someone read the outlined verse in black, Genesis 4:8.)
27. Where did Cain take Abel before killing him? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________
28. Why did Cain kill his brother Abel? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Cain deflects accountability. (Have someone read the outlined verse in purple, Genesis 4:9.)
29. God knows where Abel is. Why did God ask Cain, “Where is Abel, your brother?” ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
30. What is the next sin Cain commits? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Abel’s brood cries out for justice. (Have someone read the outlined verse in orange, Genesis 4:10.)
31. Then the Lord said to Cain, “What have you done?” If God already knows what Cain did, why does God ask this question? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
32. How can blood cry out to God from the ground? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Cain’s punishment for Abel’s murder. (Have someone read the outlined verses in grey, Genesis 4:11-12.)
33. What consequence did God give Cain? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What sign did God say would happen to the ground because of Cain’s action? _________________________________________________________________________