Sermon on the mount series message 14

Text: Matthew 5:33-42

The Pharisees had turned oath-taking into a three ring circus, woven into every day speech with ridiculous intricacy. Jesus points out a better way: why not simply be trustworthy in all that we say? Provision likewise was given for reprisal but, once again, Jesus shows a superior way to the Pharisees' misapplication of God's truth. As profound as His teachings are, His primary design is to prepare us for the gospel and show the futility of seeking entrance into the Kingdom via our own merit.