Matthew 5:33-42 (The Sermon on the Mount, Part VI)
Oaths
Jesus now speaks of oaths, or being truthful. The law says to always keep your word (v33), so why swear on anything? Your word should be known and good enough to make promises by. There should be no need for a Christian to have to swear on a bible, or by anything in earth or in heaven (v34-35) or by any part of your body (v36). Ultimately, these things do not belong to you, but to God, and are not yours to give if the word is broken. Christians should be known for their honesty and reliance, but unfortunately we are sinful too, and break our word. It is worse though to have sworn on something holy like the Bible, or Heaven and then have our word broken. There are things that we have no control over, so why bring down holy things when we can't keep promises?
An Eye for an Eye
Jesus then gives the example of an "eye for an eye" or the law of retribution (v38, Exodus 23-25). The thing to remember is that the law is to limit retaliation for a wrong-doing. Much like our own guideline of "cruel and unusual" punishment. The Old Testament law was to protect the "criminal." Again, Christ asks us to take it a step further. To forgive and give what we have. If we are struck, not to take offense and strike back, but to offer the other cheek. (v39) He also says in the verse not to resist an evil person. Why? Remember that "Blessed are the Peacemakers" (Matthew 5:9). Resisting (or fighting) against an evil person will more than likely just cause more evil and "drama". Just letting them be petty and mean, and trying to love them, will have a better effect than going against them. Jesus then tells us that if someone is suing for the shirt off our back, to give them our coat as well (v40). This ties back into being peaceful and trusting God for all we need. Better to be physically poor and have a happy brother than rich and have a brother who thinks you have stolen from him. Also, if someone needs your help, help them far more than has been requested of you. (v41) Are you there just to get brownie points, or are you living in the Spirit? Verse 42 ends with a general concept that we should be loving people, willing to help and serve others and lend to them what we can.
Jesus now speaks of oaths, or being truthful. The law says to always keep your word (v33), so why swear on anything? Your word should be known and good enough to make promises by. There should be no need for a Christian to have to swear on a bible, or by anything in earth or in heaven (v34-35) or by any part of your body (v36). Ultimately, these things do not belong to you, but to God, and are not yours to give if the word is broken. Christians should be known for their honesty and reliance, but unfortunately we are sinful too, and break our word. It is worse though to have sworn on something holy like the Bible, or Heaven and then have our word broken. There are things that we have no control over, so why bring down holy things when we can't keep promises?
An Eye for an Eye
Jesus then gives the example of an "eye for an eye" or the law of retribution (v38, Exodus 23-25). The thing to remember is that the law is to limit retaliation for a wrong-doing. Much like our own guideline of "cruel and unusual" punishment. The Old Testament law was to protect the "criminal." Again, Christ asks us to take it a step further. To forgive and give what we have. If we are struck, not to take offense and strike back, but to offer the other cheek. (v39) He also says in the verse not to resist an evil person. Why? Remember that "Blessed are the Peacemakers" (Matthew 5:9). Resisting (or fighting) against an evil person will more than likely just cause more evil and "drama". Just letting them be petty and mean, and trying to love them, will have a better effect than going against them. Jesus then tells us that if someone is suing for the shirt off our back, to give them our coat as well (v40). This ties back into being peaceful and trusting God for all we need. Better to be physically poor and have a happy brother than rich and have a brother who thinks you have stolen from him. Also, if someone needs your help, help them far more than has been requested of you. (v41) Are you there just to get brownie points, or are you living in the Spirit? Verse 42 ends with a general concept that we should be loving people, willing to help and serve others and lend to them what we can.
posted by Ayric Andy | 12:32 AM
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