“But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”– Matthew 5:28 (KJV)
“But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”– Matthew 5:28 (NLT)
“But I’m saying that anyone who looks at a woman with lust is guilty of committing adultery in his heart.”– Matthew 5:28 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 5:28 Mean?
Matthew 5:28 is a powerful statement made by Jesus during the Sermon on the Mount. In this verse, Jesus takes the commandment against adultery and expands its meaning. Before this teaching, many people thought that as long as they did not physically commit adultery, they were in the clear. However, Jesus teaches us that the heart matters as much as our actions. He emphasizes that lusting after someone is akin to committing adultery. This perspective pushes us to examine not just our actions, but also our thoughts and intentions.
We realize that Jesus is inviting us into a deeper understanding of sin. It is not merely about following rules on the surface; it’s about the condition of our hearts. Lust is defined as an intense longing or desire, especially in a sexual context. Here, Jesus recognizes that harboring such desires towards others can reveal a heart that is not in alignment with God’s will. This teaching encourages us to strive for purity, both in our minds and in our actions.
Matthew 5:28 Explanation and Commentary
When we think about Matthew 5:28, we can see its deep-rooted implications in our daily lives. Lust is not just a momentary glance; it’s a battle of our wants versus what God desires for us. It is a call to recognize how our thoughts can shape our character and actions. As we read this verse, we may find ourselves reflecting on our own perspectives and behaviors.
This teaching urges us to protect our hearts from impure thoughts. The Bible often highlights the importance of guarding our hearts. Proverbs 4:23 states, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Our heart is a vital component of who we are. Jesus is emphasizing that when we allow lustful thoughts to take root, it can affect how we interact with others and see people. We must understand that every desire we entertain can lead us away from living a life that honors God.
Furthermore, it’s crucial to understand that acknowledging and addressing our sinful thoughts is not a burden but a step towards growth. We should not beat ourselves up for having these thoughts, but rather recognize them as an opportunity to turn back to God for forgiveness and strength. Through prayer, we can ask for guidance to reshape our hearts and redirect our desires to align with God’s will.
It is important to remember that the journey of faith is not about perfection but about progress. Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:28 reminds us that it is okay to struggle with these issues but that we must not be passive. Rather, we can actively seek to cultivate a mindset focused on purity and love. Philippians 4:8 tells us to think on things that are lovely, pure, and excellent. Shaping our thought life can be life-changing and can impact our actions.
We should also consider the wider implications of this teaching. When we objectify individuals, we harm not only ourselves but also others. Seeing a person as an object of desire rather than as a whole person created in God’s image is a grave oversight. This teaching calls us to a higher standard of love and respect, urging us to see people through God’s eyes. This perspective cultivates healthy relationships and a community where everyone is valued.
Context of Matthew 5:28
To understand Matthew 5:28 fully, we need to look at its context. This verse is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus teaches his disciples and a large crowd about the values of the Kingdom of Heaven. The theme of this sermon is about righteousness and what it means to live in alignment with God’s will.
Throughout this sermon, Jesus addresses various aspects of life, from anger to marriage, to our relationship with God. Each teaching calls His followers to adopt a higher standard of living that transcends mere obedience to the law. By redefining the commandments in light of inner attitudes and intentions, Jesus challenges the prevailing notions of righteousness of his time. His insights are revolutionary, calling for spiritual depth rather than mere legalistic practices.
In this context, when Jesus speaks of adultery, he is not only addressing a physical act but also the intentions and feelings behind it. He reminds us that sin starts in the heart. This elevated understanding was radical for that time, as it shifted the focus from outward behaviors to inward struggles. Notably, Jesus is emphasizing a heart transformation through a relationship with God.
Understanding this context helps us appreciate the depth of Jesus’ instruction. It’s not just about avoiding physical acts; it’s about cultivating pure thoughts and motivations within ourselves. It’s about aligning our hearts with God’s purposes and desires for our lives.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 5:28
In this compelling verse, there are key phrases that warrant our attention as we explore its meaning. The directive begins with “But I say unto you,” which indicates a shift from traditional interpretations to a more profound truth. Jesus establishes His authority to teach about the heart of God’s commandments.
Next, we see that Jesus refers to “looking” on a woman with lust. The term “look” doesn’t refer to a mere glance but rather an intentional gaze, which indicates an interest that goes beyond casual observation. It implies a longing that stirs within the heart and mind. This part of the verse pushes us to consider the intentions behind our glances—whether they stem from love or lust.
Furthermore, “lust after her” points to the desire not simply for attraction but for possession and control. Lust reduces a person to an object, removing their inherent dignity and value as a child of God. It’s critical to realize that such thoughts can lead to damaging behaviors and attitudes toward others.
The climax of this verse is the declaration that such desires equate to committing adultery in one’s heart. This statement touches on the essence of sin, which is rooted in our hearts and minds before it manifests in actions. Jesus highlights that what we entertain in our thoughts has significant consequences on our actions and relationships. Acknowledging this truth is essential for cultivating healthier relationships and a more profound faith.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 5:28
Matthew 5:28 offers many lessons that are relevant to our lives today. One of the most important lessons is that purity is essential, going beyond physical actions to encompass our thoughts. This call to purity is a reminder that we must always seek to align our desires with God’s will. It encourages us to guard our hearts against impurities.
Additionally, we are reminded of the importance of respect and dignity in our relationships with others. Recognizing people as God’s creations leads us to treat them with love and integrity. Lust diminishes a person to an object, while love sees the whole person. By approaching our relationships with this mindset, we can build stronger connections rooted in mutual respect.
Another valuable lesson is about the power of our thoughts. Our minds are battlegrounds, and we have the power to choose what we dwell on. This understanding empowers us to be proactive in transforming our thought lives. Trusting God to renew our minds allows us to overcome negative or lustful thoughts. Romans 12:2 encourages us to not conform to the patterns of this world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds.
We also discover the need for accountability and community. Discussing our struggles with trusted friends or mentors can help us navigate challenges related to lust and temptation. As we share our battles, we can encourage one another and grow together in faith.
Final Thoughts
Matthew 5:28 serves as a thought-provoking reminder to us all. It challenges us to seek out purity in our thoughts, offer dignity to others, and actively engage in transforming our hearts. We can face the struggles of lust with God’s help, addressing our intentions beyond mere actions. Embracing this teaching allows us to create healthier relationships while fostering growth in our spiritual journeys.
As we reflect on this verse, may we remember that God’s grace is sufficient for us. We are not alone in these struggles. Trusting His strength and seeking His guidance will lead us into a more fulfilling and faithful life as we strive to imitate Christ. If you are interested in exploring more about understanding relationships, consider looking into Matthew 11. Each verse contributes significantly to our knowledge of biblical principles.