DAY #70: Matthew 5:33-37

Background:

In yesterday’s passage (Matt. 5:26-32), Jesus gives us instructions concerning marriage and divorce; He also commands strict prohibition of lust and adultery.

Let’s continue today to hear what Jesus says in 5:33-37.

Making Oaths/Swearing

WOW! Making Oaths and Swearing: Two expressions of the same topic often used interchangeably.

Mincing no words, Jesus says, “You have known that God’s Law given to Moses forbids swearing falsely, but I have a lot more to say about this!” (Paraphrase mine)

An oath is a solemn promise or a vow. A person making an oath sometimes calls upon something or someone higher than himself/herself as a witness to “ensure” that the oath is fulfilled.

Oaths were allowed in Israel during Jesus’ time on earth; but the person who made the oath was required to fulfill them, especially because they so often involved invoking the name of God. Today we often find ourselves in situations where we are required to make oaths. A person becoming a U.S. citizen is required to participate in a swearing-in ceremony. When we appear in a court of law as a witness, we are asked to swear “to tell the truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God!” A couple being married often says, “I do promise before God and these witnesses.”

So, then, why should Jesus say, “Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is His footstool …” (5:34-35)

Ah! An oath can also be some distasteful uttering or profane swearing using obscene language, and taking God’s name in vain.

The Commandments declare: “You shall have no other gods before me”, “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.” (Exodus 20:3, 7) God also commanded in Leviticus 19:12, “You shall not swear by my name falsely, and so profane the name of your God.”

Nowadays, how often we hear people casually toss out the oath, “Honest to God”! How about, “I swear by my mother’s grave”? And these are the milder ones. How about those offensive, vulgar swear words that we hear everywhere? Jesus warns us that to use the name of God is a privilege and should be done with reverence and humility!

When Jesus says, “Do not take an oath at all,” He is not saying oaths are always bad. But He demands the qualification that our oaths are made in honesty and integrity, and with God’s approval. For example, if we are asked to serve on a jury or take the military enlistment oath, we may do so without sinning. On the other hand, as Jesus’ disciples, our word should be honest and truthful enough without excessive oaths or elaborate promises. That’s why Jesus stresses forcibly:

“Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or “No’; anything more than this comes from evil.” (5:37)

How powerful are two simple but forceful words: Yes and No! Jesus directs us to speak truthfully and succinctly without stretching and compromising the truth, or by leaving out what is necessary to convey what is truthful. Jesus’ brother, James, repeated this command: “let your ‘yes’ be yes and your ‘no’ be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.” (James 5:12)

SO WHAT? (What will I do with what I have read today?)

Jesus’ words in Matt. 5:33-37 can be summarized to this:

• We need to be truthful and deliberate with our words;
• We need to be careful and thoughtful when we take the Lord’s name.

Let’s all ask ourselves two questions:

Can people take us at our word and trust our word?

Can Jesus take us at our word and trust our word?

Pauline Lo Alker