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Jesus presents the positive side of His exposition:
v. 23. Therefore, if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee,
v. 24. leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way, first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
The forgiving attitude is pictured from a happening which was very frequent among the Jews, with which they were thoroughly familiar. A Jew might bring his Corban, his gift, used of every kind of bloody and unbloody sacrifice which was brought to the Temple, Mat_8:4; Mat_15:5; Mat_23:8. But in the very act of handing it to the officiating priest at the altar there comes the remembrance. It suddenly flashes into his mind that he has been guilty of an act or a word which might have provoked a brother. The natural way of dealing with the situation might seem to be to keep on with the worship, get through as quickly as possible, and then hurry to make peace with the offended. But Christ tells us to interrupt our worship and go on the errand of seeking forgiveness first, though it may seem profane to do so. It is more important that the heart be free from anxiety for a brother's peace of mind than that an external rite be performed: mercy before sacrifice. There will be plenty of time for sacrificing afterward. See Isa_58:4-7.