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The Sermon on the Mount

Matthew 5 - 7

Chapter 5

Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.' But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. All you need to say is simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

What does this mean?

Context and Interpretation

1. Context in the Sermon on the Mount:
   • The Sermon on the Mount contains Jesus' teachings on righteousness and ethical living. It addresses not only external actions but also the attitudes and intentions of the heart.
2. Immediate Context:
   • This passage follows Jesus' teachings on divorce and before His teachings on retaliation and loving enemies. It is part of a series where Jesus contrasts traditional understandings of the law with His deeper, more heart-focused interpretation.

Explanation of the Passage

1. "Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.'":
   • This references the Old Testament teachings about oaths and vows, such as in Numbers 30:2 and Deuteronomy 23:21-23. These laws emphasized the importance of keeping one's word, especially when an oath was made in God's name.
2. "But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.":
   • Jesus introduces a higher standard by instructing not to swear oaths at all. He lists examples of common oaths of the time, which invoked heaven, earth, or Jerusalem. These oaths were meant to add weight to one's promises by invoking something sacred.
3. "And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black.":
   • Jesus points out the futility of swearing by one's own head or life since individuals have no control over their own basic physical attributes, like the color of their hair. This highlights human limitations and the folly of making such oaths.
4. "All you need to say is simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.":
   • Jesus teaches that integrity and truthfulness should be so inherent in one's speech that oaths are unnecessary. A simple "Yes" or "No" should suffice, indicating honesty and straightforwardness.
   • The phrase "anything beyond this comes from the evil one" suggests that elaborate oaths can lead to deceit and manipulation, which are contrary to God's nature of truth.

Biblical Principles

1. Integrity and Honesty:
   • Jesus emphasizes the importance of integrity in speech. Believers are called to be truthful and reliable without needing to resort to oaths to guarantee their honesty.
2. Simplicity in Communication:
   • The call to let one's "Yes" be "Yes" and "No" be "No" encourages simplicity and clarity in communication. This reflects a life of transparency and authenticity.
3. Dependence on God:
   • By pointing out human limitations (e.g., not being able to change hair color), Jesus underscores the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty and our dependence on Him rather than relying on our own assertions and promises.

Application

• Personal Integrity: This teaching encourages individuals to cultivate a habit of honesty in all aspects of life, making their word reliable without the need for oaths.
• Clear and Simple Communication: It advocates for clear and straightforward communication, avoiding exaggerated promises or statements that might lead to misunderstandings or mistrust.
• Trust in God's Sovereignty: Recognizing our limitations and dependence on God can foster a humble attitude and a deeper reliance on His guidance and provision.