Jesus Teaches on Oaths and Retaliation

Integrity in Speech: Jesus on Oaths
In Matthew 5:33–37, Jesus addresses the misuse of oaths and calls for personal integrity in speech. Under the Old Law, oaths were taken seriously. Numbers 30:2 and Deuteronomy 23:21–23 made it clear that when someone made a vow to the Lord, they were obligated to fulfill it. Breaking such a vow was sinful. The Jews had come to abuse this practice by introducing loopholes—swearing by heaven, earth, Jerusalem, or their own head rather than by God—so they could feel justified in breaking their promises. Jesus rejected this dishonesty. He said, “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’” In other words, a person’s word should be trustworthy without the need for vows or oaths.

Jesus’ teaching was not merely about avoiding lies but about cultivating a heart of truthfulness. True righteousness means that we do not manipulate language to serve our interests. Whether in contracts, promises, or everyday speech, Christians should be people who do what they say they will do. James 5:12 echoes Jesus: “But above all, my brethren, do not swear... but let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No,’ lest you fall into judgment.” Honesty is not optional for followers of Christ—it is essential.

Rejecting Retaliation: Turning the Other Cheek
In Matthew 5:38–42, Jesus continues His sermon by addressing the law of retaliation. “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” was part of the Mosaic Law intended for civil justice, not personal vengeance. However, the people had distorted it into a license for getting even. Jesus called for a radically different approach—one governed by mercy, patience, and humility. Instead of taking revenge, His disciples are to turn the other cheek, give more than what is asked, and go the second mile.

These examples are not to be interpreted literally in all circumstances, but they reveal the heart of a true disciple. Jesus isn’t commanding passivity in the face of injustice but rather restraint and grace in the face of personal offenses. The instruction to “go the second mile” originated from Roman law that allowed soldiers to compel Jews to carry their gear for one mile. Jesus taught that His followers should not only comply but exceed expectations—voluntarily and joyfully.

By refusing to retaliate and instead choosing to act with generosity and kindness, Christians reflect the character of God. Romans 12:19–21 reinforces this, saying, “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves... for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.” Trusting God to enact justice frees the Christian to live in peace, without bitterness or the need to settle every score.

Conclusion
Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 5 challenge us to move beyond mere outward conformity to inward righteousness. Integrity in our words and mercy in our reactions are marks of a transformed heart. God calls us to be honest, trustworthy, and forgiving—living lives that shine as lights in a deceitful and vengeful world. May we let our “Yes” be yes, our “No” be no, and our hearts reflect Christ.

Sermon Outline: Jesus Teaches on Oaths and Retaliation

I. God’s Standard for Oaths

• Numbers 30:2; Deuteronomy 23:21–23 — Oaths were binding; breaking them was sin.
• Deuteronomy 19:16–21 — Lying under oath had serious consequences.

II. Jesus’ New Expectation

• Matthew 5:33–37 — Pharisees manipulated oaths to justify dishonesty.
• Jesus teaches: “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’”

III. Radical Honesty and Integrity

• Matthew 23:16–22 — Condemnation of swearing by objects to avoid truth.
• James 5:12 — Christians must be known for their word.

IV. The Sin of Retaliation

• Matthew 5:38–42 — Jesus corrects misuse of “eye for eye” principle.
• Personal vengeance is forbidden; generosity is encouraged.

V. Trusting God’s Justice

• Romans 12:17–21 — Vengeance belongs to God, not us.
• Trust in God’s appointed civil authority (Romans 13).

Call to Action: Are we truly honest in all our dealings? Are we quick to take offense or eager to forgive? Do we seek justice through the right means or try to settle matters ourselves? Jesus calls His disciples to live by truth and grace. May we live with hearts that reflect the honesty, mercy, and righteousness of our Savior.

Lesson Prepared by Bobby Stafford – church of Christ at Granby, MO