I am a Jesus pusher!!! Jesus continues His revelation of the inner state of anger. He says, “And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council” (Matthew 5:22). The grammar of this sentence differs from the above. The main subject is “whoever.” The main verb forms this subject “says,” and the Greek word “hos.” “Says” is a translation of the Greek word “epo.” This verb is in the active voice, meaning that the speaking of this demeaning, belittling statement is the result of the main subject. That marks a difference between the first statement of Jesus in our verse and this second statement. The state of self-centeredness produces the anger of the person. Now the person responds to that anger by speaking negatively to his brother. The person is not only responsible for the inner condition and state of his spiritual life but also for responding to it.
The main verb, “epo,” translated says, is in the subjunctive mood, projecting the tone of “maybe, uncertainty, or possibility.” The Greek word “an” precedes the verb and is a primary participle used often with a subjunctive verb. This word is not translated in our passage. Still, it is used in the Greek to present the proposition or sentence with a stamp of uncertainty and the mere possibility that indicates a dependence on circumstances. It strengthens the idea of the subjunctive. In other words, the individual may never encounter the circumstances where he will call his brother “Raca,” but his heart condition is still there. A person with the spirit of anger is always on the verge of reacting to his brother. Jesus does not advocate controlling this state of self-centeredness with the potential of response, but He insists on removing and replacing that nature with His own! We must respond to our helplessness and allow His indwelling; we must become Kingdom people. I am a Jesus pusher!!!