Matthew 5:33-37 — “A Life Under Oath”
Jesus teaches that God’s people must be so truthful and trustworthy that their simple “yes” and
“no” are enough. Every word we speak is spoken before God, so honesty and faithfulness are
essential parts of Christian character.
Matthew 5:33-37
“Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’”
I. The Context
Jesus is continuing the Sermon on the Mount and showing the true application of God’s law.
In this section He has already addressed:
• Murder → anger and reconciliation (Matthew 5:21-26)
• Adultery → lust and purity (Matthew 5:27-32)
• Now He addresses:
◦ Truthfulness (9th Commandment)
◦ Respect for God’s name (3rd Commandment)
The Pharisees focused on technical obedience while ignoring God’s intent.
Discussion Question
Why do people sometimes look for loopholes instead of simply obeying the spirit of God’s
commands?
II. The Pharisees’ Error
The Old Testament allowed and regulated oaths.
Examples:
• Deuteronomy 10:20
• Deuteronomy 23:21
• Numbers 30
The purpose of oaths was:
• To promote truthfulness
• To promote faithfulness
• To honor God
However, the Pharisees created a system that distinguished between:
• “Binding” oaths
• “Non-binding” oaths
This allowed people to appear truthful while actually deceiving others.
You can keep the letter of God’s law while violating its
purpose.
Discussion Question
What are some modern ways people use “technicalities” to avoid keeping their word?
III. What Jesus Meant by “Do Not Swear at All”
Jesus was not forbidding every formal oath.
Examples of legitimate oaths:
• God swore oaths (Hebrews 6:13-18)
• Jesus answered under oath (Matthew 26:63-64)
• Paul invoked God as witness (Romans 1:9; Galatians 1:20)
Jesus was condemning:
• Casual oath-taking
• Manipulative oath-taking
• Using oaths to make ordinary speech seem more believable
Key Lesson
If people can trust your ordinary speech, you should not need special formulas to convince them.
Discussion Question
Why do some people constantly say, “I swear,” “Honestly,” or “Trust me”?
IV. Every Word Is Spoken Before God
Jesus gives four examples:
• Heaven — God’s throne
• Earth — God’s footstool
• Jerusalem — God’s city
• Your head — controlled by God
The point:
Everything belongs to God.
Therefore:
Every oath ultimately invokes God.
Practical Application
We are under God’s scrutiny when:
• Talking with family
• Completing tax forms
• Conducting business
• Making promises
• Telling stories
• Speaking casually
Matthew 12:36 reminds us that we will give account for every careless word.
Key Lesson
All speech is sacred because God hears every word.
Discussion Question
How would our conversations change if we remembered that God hears every word we speak?
V. “Let Your Yes Be Yes”
Jesus calls for integrity.
A Christian should develop a reputation where:
• A “yes” means yes.
• A “no” means no.
• People trust their word.
James later repeats this teaching:
James 5:12
Characteristics of Integrity
• Honest speech
• Dependable commitments
• Faithfulness to promises
• Consistency between words and actions
Discussion Question
What does it take to become known as a person whose word can always be trusted?
VI. Overcoming Dishonesty
The sermon’s strongest application is that honesty grows from love.
We tell the truth because:
1. We love God.
2. We love people.
Lying harms others because it separates them from reality.
Truth-telling is an act of love.
Proverbs 25:19
Reliance on an unfaithful person is like:
• A bad tooth
• A lame foot
Untrustworthiness hurts people.
Jesus is teaching more than avoiding lies.
He is calling His disciples to become people of complete integrity.
Main Takeaways:
1. The purpose of oaths is truthfulness and faithfulness.
2. The Pharisees used oaths as loopholes for deception.
3. Every word we speak is spoken before God.
4. Christians should be known for simple, trustworthy speech.
5. Love for God and love for others motivate honest living.
If every word is spoken before God, then every conversation becomes an opportunity to honor
Him.
Memory Verse: Matthew 5:37
“But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh
of evil.” (KJV)