How does Jesus expand on Exodus 20:14 in Matthew 5:27-28? the original command: Exodus 20:14 “ ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ ” • A clear, direct prohibition of the physical act of sexual unfaithfulness. • Protects marriage, family stability, covenant faithfulness, and society at large. • Part of the unchanging moral law God etched in stone (Exodus 31:18). jesus raises the standard: Matthew 5:27-28 “ ‘You have heard that it was said, “Do not commit adultery.” But I tell you that everyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.’ ” • Jesus affirms the command’s authority, then deepens its reach. • Moves from outward behavior to inward desire—God’s concern is holistic. • The heart is the wellspring of life (Proverbs 4:23); unchecked lust pollutes that spring. why inner purity matters • God sees the unseen (1 Samuel 16:7). • Sin begins internally (James 1:14-15). • Heart-level holiness fulfills the intent of the Law, not merely the letter (Romans 7:6). • Purity of heart positions believers to “see God” (Matthew 5:8). practical applications for a pure heart • Guard the eyes: make a covenant like Job—“I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze at a virgin?” (Job 31:1). • Capture thoughts: “Take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). • Flee temptation: Joseph’s flight from Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39:11-12). • Cultivate godly contentment: honor marriage and embrace gratitude for one’s spouse (Hebrews 13:4). • Feed the spirit, starve the flesh: dwell on what is true, honorable, pure (Philippians 4:8). • Seek accountability: “Confess your sins to one another” (James 5:16). connecting commands: other scriptures • Leviticus 19:17-18—love neighbor from the heart, not just by action. • 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5—God’s will is sanctification, abstaining from sexual immorality. • Galatians 5:16—walk by the Spirit to avoid fulfilling fleshly desires. • Hebrews 4:12—the Word judges thoughts and intentions, confirming Jesus’ focus on the heart. summing up Exodus 20:14 forbids the act; Matthew 5:27-28 forbids the desire that precedes the act. Jesus expands the command by exposing the heart as the true battleground, calling His followers to wholehearted purity that reflects God’s own holiness. |
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