How does Matthew 5:27 expand on the commandment against adultery? Setting the Stage Jesus is speaking in the Sermon on the Mount, addressing listeners who knew the Ten Commandments by heart. His words lift the conversation from mere rule-keeping to the core of human desire and intent. The Original Commandment – Exodus 20:14: “You shall not commit adultery.” – This seventh commandment condemned the physical act of sexual unfaithfulness. – In Israel, breaking it carried severe civil and spiritual penalties (Leviticus 20:10). Jesus Peels Back the Layers – Matthew 5:27: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’” – Matthew 5:28: “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” • Jesus affirms the commandment’s authority—then deepens it. • He shifts the focus from outward behavior to inward longing. From Action to Intention – Lustful looking is treated as heart-adultery, not an innocent pastime. – Job 31:1: “I have made a covenant with my eyes. How then could I gaze with desire at a virgin?” – James 1:14-15: Desire → Temptation → Sin → Death. – Adultery is now seen as the end-product of an already-sinful process taking place within. Why the Heart Must Be Guarded – Proverbs 4:23: “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.” – Hebrews 4:13: Nothing is hidden from God’s sight; heart-sin is fully exposed to Him. – Matthew 15:19: “Out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery…” The inner life shapes conduct. Living Out Radical Purity Practical steps drawn from Scripture: – Flee, don’t flirt: 1 Corinthians 6:18 – “Flee from sexual immorality.” – Covenant with your eyes: emulate Job 31:1. – Filter inputs: limit entertainment and online content that awakens lust (Ephesians 5:3). – Cultivate satisfied affections in Christ: Psalm 16:11. – Invite accountability: “Two are better than one” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). – Walk by the Spirit: Galatians 5:16 – “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” The Good News That Enables Obedience – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: “You are not your own… you were bought at a price.” Christ’s purchase frees believers from slavery to lust. – Romans 8:1-2: No condemnation for those in Christ; the Spirit’s law of life sets us free from sin’s law of death. – In Christ, forgiveness for past failures is real, and power for heart-level purity is supplied daily. |
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