Matthew 5:35

“Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.”

Context:Matthew 5:35 is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, specifically the section known as the Beatitudes. In this sermon, Jesus teaches His disciples and the crowds about various aspects of living a godly life and the kingdom of heaven.

In Matthew 5:35, Jesus is speaking about oaths and the importance of truthfulness. In the preceding verses, Jesus addresses the misuse of oaths, where people would make false or empty promises using sacred objects or locations as a means to deceive. He counters this by teaching that one should not swear by anything on earth, such as the earth itself or the city of Jerusalem.

The Earth as God’s Footstool:By saying, “nor by the earth; for it is his footstool,” Jesus emphasizes that the earth belongs to God. It is a reminder of God’s sovereignty and His ultimate authority over all creation. It conveys the idea that we should not trivialize God’s name or use it carelessly in our promises.

Jerusalem as the City of the Great King:Jesus also states, “neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.” Jerusalem was considered the holy city where God’s presence resided in the temple. By referring to it as the city of the great King, Jesus elevates its significance and reinforces the sacred nature of the city. He implies that using Jerusalem to make false oaths diminishes the holiness of God’s dwelling place.

Honesty and Integrity:Jesus emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and integrity in our speech and promises. As followers of Christ, we should be people of our word and avoid deceitful practices. Our words should reflect the truth and be trustworthy.

Reverence for God:Jesus’ teachings remind us to hold God in high esteem and treat His name and sacred things with reverence. We should not manipulate or misuse anything associated with God, including His creation or the symbols of His presence.

The True King and Kingdom:By calling Jerusalem the city of the great King, Jesus hints at His own identity as the Messiah and the establishment of His kingdom. He directs the listeners’ attention to a higher reality and encourages them to focus on the spiritual rather than the earthly.

• Be truthful:Let your words be honest and reliable. Avoid making false promises or using oaths to deceive others.
• Show reverence:Treat God, His name, and sacred things with respect. Do not trivialize or misuse them.
• Seek the kingdom of God:Fix your eyes on the eternal kingdom of God rather than being overly concerned with earthly matters. Recognize Jesus as the true King and live in obedience to His teachings.

By understanding and applying the teachings of Matthew 5:35, we can strive to cultivate a life of honesty, reverence, and a focus on the kingdom of God.