Scripture to Read: Matthew 5:34
We know our Lord is speaking about making promises and in Matthew 5:34, Christ says, “But I say to you, make no oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God.” Our Lord wants us to understand that even if we don’t use God’s Name in making a promise, we also should not use heaven as the foundation for our promise. Jesus clarifies this for us as He rebuked the religious leaders of His day in Matthew 23. Jesus said in Matthew 23:16–22, “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the temple, that is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple is obligated. ’17 You fools and blind men! Which is more important, the gold or the temple that sanctified the gold? 18 And, ‘Whoever swears by the altar, that is nothing, but whoever swears by the offering on it, he is obligated. ’19 You blind men, which is more important, the offering, or the altar that sanctifies the offering? 20 Therefore, whoever swears by the altar, swears both by the altar and by everything on it. 21 And whoever swears by the temple, swears both by the temple and by Him who dwells within it. 22 And whoever swears by heaven, swears both by the throne of God and by Him who sits upon it.” Since everything is set aside for God and His glory, if anyone makes a promise by anything of God, he is swearing (making a solemn promise) by God Himself. God’s Name should never be used disrespectfully.
Challenge & Application
· How have people used God’s Name disrespectfully to help seal a deal on an empty promise?
· Why was Jesus rebuking the religious leaders of His day, and how were they leading the people astray?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!