Study Text: Matt 5:33-48
Image from University Reformed Church website
“Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’ (Matt 5:33)
We cannot forget the two word summary of the Sermon on the Mount and that is: Christian Counterculture. We see much of that in this week's lesson as Jesus continues to correct the Pharisaic perversions of the Old Testament. Jesus addresses taking oaths. Some have said Jesus prevents us from taking oaths in a court of law, but that's not the message.The point our Lord makes is to be honest and not deceitful in our dealings with others. Next Jesus deals with retaliation. Rather than seek an eye for an eye, Christ calls us to disregard others' slander and libel against us because our character is secure as children of God, thus we turn the other cheek. Lastly Jesus tells us to love our enemies. This is truly counter cultural. We love our friends and family...but our enemies? Yes, even our enemies! This Christian characteristic is our response to our God who loved us when we were even his enemies. Perhaps this portion of Matthew 5:33-48 is something you've read all of your life, but this interpretation may be something new. I hope to y'all there this Lord's day evening!
