Today’s Scripture Readings

Gospel Reading

NRSV

‘Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.” But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let your word be “Yes, Yes” or “No, No”; anything more than this comes from the evil one.

When I was a child and wanting to get out of trouble or sneak something past my parents, invariably I would get caught! And when trying to talk myself out of trouble I’d swear to my innocence, “No mum, it wasn’t me – I SWEAR!” Usually that was a red flag that I was up to no good. Maybe I thought that if my words had extra weight then they weren’t questionable. Really what counted behind my words was my action and my intention. I think that is what Jesus is getting at in this gospel today.

But if we zoom out from today’s Gospel and look at the wider context of Matthew 5, beginning with the Beatitudes Jesus is inviting the people into something deeper. He calls us not to settle for compliance with the law, but a transformation of the heart. This is a call to more. Jesus reminds us that we are not just citizens of an earthly kingdom, bound to follow earthly laws. We are people of God’s Kingdom, called to reflect His ways and character in the world.

So, live as citizens of God’s Kingdom today. Be so trustworthy that your words do not need extra weight or validation. Let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no. Be people of integrity – credible, authentic, and consistent in every aspect of your life.

Lord, bring your truth to our lives and shine a light on the places where we are not reflecting your character into the world. Help us live as people of your kingdom, not settling for the ways of the world but striving to live by your way. Amen.