Jesus-Broken Promises - Sermon on the Mount

By Mary Vee
Matthew 5, Luke 6

From Matthew's Journal 

Photo by Mary Vee. View down to the Sea of Galilee from
the Mountain where it is believed Jesus was at this time.
Capernaum is down and to the left by the shore.

My name is Matthew. I am a disciple of Jesus. I am here with other disciples, so they may add something to today's post. 

We are sitting on the side of a mountain bordering the Sea of Galilee, and there is a large number of people here with us, some have traveled a long ways to hear Jesus speak.

Jesus has been speaking most of the morning. You may know this talk as the Sermon on the Mount. Posts telling what he said already are below.  Just scroll down.

Jesus took a moment break between each subject, giving us time to think about His words. The break has ended and He is ready to tell us more.

Jesus said, "You have all heard from people who lived long ago these words: Do not break a promise, but keep the promises you have made to the Lord.

"There is more to this than is being taught by the Rabbis.

"When saying something that for another person to believe, you might rashly say, I swear by heaven this is so. When you do this you are calling on heaven to back your words, and heaven is a very scared place, it ought to be taken seriously. You show no grace or honor to God when you say you can call on heaven to back your words. Are you God? 

"Can you even say I swear by earth as proof of your words? God has given life to the earth. What right have you to say you have power over that life when calling on it to back your words?

"Or can you say, I swear by Jerusalem as your witness? Jerusalem is a place of honor, a place on the earth, a place set aside for you. David wrote, Jerusalem is the city of the great King. God, the great King, is interested in Jerusalem and every single promise that you make by it.

"Even though your head is a part of you, something you cannot do without, it belongs more to God than you because He made it. Can you make one hair that grow from you head emerge as a different color? God formed all the workings in your head, your brain, eyes, ears, mouth, nose. So, you cannot promise by your head, you have no authority.

"Rather, let those whom you speak with see by your actions that your words are true. They should not doubt you because you daily live an honest and truthful life. Those around you should know that when you say yes, that alone is yes and needs nothing extra. And when you say no, that alone is no and needs nothing more.

"An honest life is one that is respected and believed. When cursing or strong promises are added to what you say, doubt and disbelief will be the listener's response. Don't let your protests, cursing, and promises taint your words.

"Promises should rarely be made. They are too easy to break and are not respected as the commitment they are. 


Yes, this does make sense. He teaches with such a deep understanding. I am sure we all learned more than we had in a very long time. Jesus has more to say. I will share them next time.

Author's note, this section is from the Sermon on the Mount. Come back to read the next story.

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sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.