When Jesus teaches about the kingdom of God, he emphasizes our thoughts and actions. Following Jesus is not about following rules but living by the Spirit and to bring heaven on earth. Last time, we talked about how anger can lead to a multitude of sin. Now, we will talk about how lust can do the same thing. 

In Matthew 5:27-28 Jesus says, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.” But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Jesus quotes from Exodus 20:14, again from the ten commandments about not committing adultery. Adultery includes lots of situations. Sex with another man or woman while being married, sex outside the marriage bed, intercourse with another person who is already married or been recently divorced. The command from God is that we should not do these things because it will ultimately destroy a relationship and defies what God has made sacred. 

The command is simple, don’t do it. So if we do not commit adultery we are clear of this sin according to the law. Well, we learned last time that there is the law and then there is intent behind the law. Jesus wants us to learn that there is more to this command than the action. Even if we look at another human with lust, in other words, wanting that person in that way, it is just as bad as actually doing the act. More times than not, our desires get the best of us and we act on those desires. This is what Jesus is getting to. Even having the desire of lust is like committing adultery because it can lead to more than thoughts. 

Jesus then seems to go haywire in the next section. He starts talking about gouging out our eyes and cutting off our hands. Is Jesus really asking us to do this? I think the point is that we should take drastic measures to deal with sin. Otherwise, if we don’t, it will lead to death and eventually hell. So Jesus makes a startling statement that would certainly catch his audience’s attention to say this is a serious matter and we need to take it seriously. Dealing with sin needs to be taken seriously and we need to make our heart right so our actions speak truth. 

James 1:14-15 captures the heart of the issue. “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” When our desires overtake us and we don’t rule over it, sin follows. When sin continues, it leads to death. This is the process Jesus wants us to get away from and fix our eyes on Him instead of what will lead to temptation.