Meaning of Matthew 5:28

This verse from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount dramatically intensifies the understanding of the commandment against adultery, moving beyond outward actions to the internal disposition of the heart. Jesus is not merely restating the Mosaic Law (Exodus 20:14) but is presenting a higher standard of righteousness that originates from within. By stating that a lustful gaze constitutes adultery "in his heart," Jesus highlights the sin's genesis in thought and desire, asserting that the internal intent is as spiritually significant as the physical act itself. This teaching underscores the radical nature of God's kingdom, which demands purity not only in behavior but also in one's innermost being, transforming the very desires that motivate actions.

Context and Background

Matthew 5 is part of Jesus' foundational teaching to his disciples, setting forth the ethics of the Kingdom of Heaven. He begins by expounding on the Law, demonstrating that his teaching fulfills and surpasses the legalistic interpretations of the scribes and Pharisees. He contrasts "you have heard that it was said to them of old..." with his own pronouncements, which often reveal a deeper, more spiritual intent behind the Law. In the case of adultery, the Law prohibited the physical act, but Jesus addresses the root cause – the lustful desire that precedes and fuels the act. This is part of a series of such reinterpretations, including anger and oaths, all aimed at cultivating a righteousness that exceeds that of the religious elite.

Key Themes and Messages

The central message is the primacy of the heart's condition. Jesus emphasizes that true sinfulness is not solely defined by outward actions but by the unholy desires and intentions that reside within. This highlights the holiness of thought as an integral aspect of discipleship. Furthermore, it points to the immediacy of spiritual accountability; one does not need to act for sin to be present. The verse also speaks to the transformative power of God's grace, which aims to purify not just actions but also the desires and affections of the heart.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The spiritual significance of Matthew 5:28 is profound. It calls believers to a constant vigilance over their thoughts and imaginations. This is not about suppressing all desire, but about discerning between righteous desires and those that are impure and objectify others. It requires a conscious effort to cultivate a heart that honors God and respects the inherent dignity of all individuals, created in God's image. Practically, this means actively guarding one's gaze, avoiding environments that foster lust, and intentionally redirecting one's thoughts toward what is pure and commendable. It also implies seeking God's help through prayer to purify one's heart.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This teaching aligns with the broader biblical narrative of God's desire for a pure and holy people. From the Old Testament emphasis on inner covenant faithfulness (Deuteronomy 6:5) to Paul's exhortations in the New Testament to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:24) and to "flee from sexual immorality" (1 Corinthians 6:18), the Bible consistently calls for inner transformation. Jesus' teaching here is a crucial step in this ongoing revelation, emphasizing that God's redemptive work extends to the deepest recesses of human motivation.

Analogies

One analogy for understanding this verse is comparing a garden to the human heart. Weeds, even if small and unseen beneath the surface, will inevitably choke out the good plants if not dealt with. Similarly, lustful thoughts, though hidden, are like seeds of sin that can corrupt the entire spiritual life and lead to destructive actions. Another analogy is that of a spy or a soldier. They must maintain constant vigilance, not just against outward attacks but also against internal complacency or disloyalty, for the battle is often won or lost in the mind and heart first.

Relation to Other Verses

Matthew 5:28 is closely related to other teachings of Jesus that emphasize internal purity. For instance, in Matthew 5:22, Jesus states that being angry with a brother is akin to murder, and calling him a fool is akin to facing judgment, also extending the Law's intent to inner states. Matthew 15:18-19 further elaborates on this by stating, "But the things that come out of a person's mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander." This confirms that the heart is the wellspring of both sin and righteousness. The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Romans 12:2, urging believers to be transformed by the renewing of their minds, and in 2 Corinthians 10:5, where he speaks of "taking captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."