How does Matthew 5:28 redefine the concept of adultery in a spiritual context? Canonical Location and Text “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” — Matthew 5:28 Immediate Context within the Sermon on the Mount Matthew 5–7 records Jesus’ authoritative exposition of Kingdom righteousness. In 5:17 – 48 He contrasts prevailing rabbinic interpretations with the divine intent of the Law (“You have heard… but I tell you”). Verse 28 belongs to the second example (vv. 27–30) and follows His affirmation that He came not to abolish but to fulfill the Law (v. 17). Jesus therefore intensifies, rather than relaxes, the seventh commandment, exposing the heart-level root of unfaithfulness. Old Testament Legal Framework for Adultery Exodus 20:14 and Deuteronomy 5:18 forbid the physical act of adultery (Hebrew נָאַף, na’af). Mosaic penalties were civilly severe (Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22). However, the prophets already hinted at internal and covenantal dimensions: Hosea’s marriage metaphor, Jeremiah 3:20, and even Job 31:1 (“I have made a covenant with my eyes”) anticipate an inner purity ethic. Jesus therefore does not innovate but clarifies the Law’s originally holistic demand. From External Act to Internal Motive: Spiritualization of the Law Jesus redefines adultery by relocating guilt from the bedroom to the heart’s theater. The moral line does not lie at bodily contact but at cultivated desire. Thus: 1. Sin originates in the inner person (cf. Matthew 15:19; Mark 7:21). 2. Ethical evaluation now includes unseen choices, rendering every hearer accountable irrespective of opportunity or social status. 3. Righteousness becomes impossible by human effort alone, pointing to the need for regenerative grace (Ezekiel 36:26–27; John 3:3–6). Relationship to the Tenth Commandment and Covenant Faithfulness By fusing the seventh and tenth commandments Jesus shows that marital unfaithfulness begins as covetous idolatry—discontent with God’s provision of spouse or singleness (Philippians 4:11–13; 1 Corinthians 7:17). Adultery of the heart therefore offends both neighbor and God, violating vertical and horizontal covenant loyalty. Anthropological and Psychological Dimensions of Lust Modern behavioral science affirms that repeated visualization and fantasizing reinforce neural pathways, lowering inhibition thresholds and predicting later sexual acting out. Jesus’ teaching anticipates this: lust is formative, not benign. Contemporary pornography statistics, neurology (elevated dopamine, diminished prefrontal activity), and longitudinal studies on marital satisfaction corroborate Scripture’s model of desire leading to conduct (James 1:14–15). Implications for Marriage, Singleness, and the Community of Faith • Marriage: Heart fidelity safeguards the covenant (Proverbs 5:18–20; Ephesians 5:25–33). Emotional affairs and digital liaisons fall under Jesus’ prohibition. • Singleness: Purity is equally required; “looking with lust” is not excused by absence of a spouse (1 Thessalonians 4:3–5). • Community: The church must foster environments of accountability (Hebrews 10:24–25) and restorative discipline (Galatians 6:1). Redemptive-Historical Perspective: Fulfillment, Not Abrogation Christ fulfills the Law by embodying perfect internal and external obedience (Hebrews 4:15), then imputes that righteousness to believers (2 Corinthians 5:21). The Spirit writes the Law on hearts (Jeremiah 31:33), enabling new covenant obedience that surpasses mere legal compliance (Romans 8:3–4). Practical Application for Contemporary Disciples 1. Guard the eyes: covenant (Job 31:1), device filters, disciplined media choices. 2. Renew the mind: Scripture meditation (Psalm 119:9–11), prayer, and worship displace illicit fantasies. 3. Flee triggers: physical removal (Matthew 5:29–30’s hyperbolic “pluck out”) illustrates decisive action. 4. Seek accountability: same-gender partnerships, confession (James 5:16). 5. Rest in grace: when failure occurs, repent and embrace cleansing (1 John 1:9). Provision of Grace through the Gospel The cross addresses both guilt and power of heart adultery. Christ bore adultery’s penalty (Isaiah 53:5–6) and rose to grant Spirit-empowered purity (Romans 6:4). Believers draw on resurrection life to “put to death the deeds of the body” (Romans 8:13) and present themselves as instruments of righteousness (Romans 6:13). Concluding Synthesis Matthew 5:28 redefines adultery by rooting it in the conscious, volitional cultivation of lust. Jesus internalizes the commandment, exposes universal moral failure, and drives hearers to the redemptive provision found in Himself. The spiritual context therefore encompasses motives, imaginations, and desires, calling every disciple to heart-level holiness that glorifies God and mirrors the faithfulness of Christ to His bride. |
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