"You have heard that it was said to those of old… But I say to you…” Matthew 5:21-22

Numerous times in the Sermon on the Mount Jesus proclaimed the words "You have heard that it was said to those of old… But I say to you…”

In Jesus’ day, the religious leaders were known for citing various rabbis to add authority to their words. Jesus reminded His hearers of what they had heard from esteemed rabbis.

The Old Testament prophets frequently introduced their words, saying, “Thus says the Lord…” They did this to remind their hearers that what they were about to hear were God’s words, not their own words.

By saying: “But I say,” Jesus claimed higher authority than the rabbis.

Likewise, Jesus set His word above even the prophets. By saying, “But I say,” He was claiming to be God!