What Jesus Did! 'Lust? NO!!' — Matthew 5:27-28

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

[Jesus continued:] "You have heard the commandment that says, 'You must not commit adultery.' But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
— Matthew 5:27-28 NLT

Key Thought

In an era where adultery is considered acceptable, or at least something to be ignored, Jesus' standard of an inner-driven righteousness that transcends the call of the law of Moses to be sexually pure seems extreme. But adultery in practice begins with lust in the heart. More than just a look, lust is a look to have and possess. That kind of lust can move the heart into action to betray a holy covenant between God, a husband, and a wife. This betrayal is wrong. We must not hide behind righteous looking exteriors when our interior world is rotting with evil. We must deal with this lust or it will consume us.

Today's Prayer

O Lord God Almighty, create in me a clean heart. I want to be more like you in my character: pure, resisting things that are evil, and faithful, honoring my commitment to you and to others. Please forgive me in my times of weakness and mold me into your holy servant to be used for your glory. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Exodus 20:14,17
  • 2 Peter 2:13-14
  • Hebrews 13:4

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 5:27-28 NLT — "You have heard the commandment that says, 'You must not commit adultery.' But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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