UASV’s Daily Devotional All Things Bible, Tuesday, April 01, 2025

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What Does Matthew 5:28 Teach About the Seriousness of Lust and Inner Purity?

Matthew 5:28 states, “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” This verse, part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, addresses the issue of lust and the moral purity required by God. Jesus raises the standard of righteousness beyond external behavior, emphasizing that sin begins in the heart. Matthew 5:28 teaches that impure thoughts and desires are not harmless but are, in fact, sinful and destructive, requiring vigilant self-control and a heart wholly committed to Jehovah’s standard of holiness.

The verse begins with the phrase, “But I tell you,” which highlights Jesus’ divine authority in interpreting and applying God’s law. This phrase contrasts Jesus’ teaching with the superficial interpretation of the law promoted by the scribes and Pharisees. In Matthew 5:27, Jesus references the seventh commandment: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’” While the Pharisees emphasized a literal, external compliance with the commandment against adultery, Jesus goes deeper, addressing the inner motivations and desires that lead to outward sin.

The next phrase, “anyone who looks at a woman lustfully,” identifies the sinful act that Jesus is condemning. The Greek word for “looks” (blepō) denotes more than a casual glance—it conveys a continuous, intentional gaze that dwells on and cultivates sinful desire. This is not about an involuntary glance or fleeting thought but about a deliberate, sustained look that feeds lust. The term “lustfully” (epithymēsai) refers to a strong, immoral desire for something that is forbidden. In this context, it describes sexual desire directed toward someone who is not one’s spouse.

This teaching does not prohibit recognizing physical beauty or acknowledging attractiveness. However, sin occurs when that initial recognition turns into lust—a desire to possess or experience what is not lawful. James 1:14–15 explains this process: “But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin.” Lust begins in the heart, grows when entertained, and ultimately leads to sinful action.

Jesus’ teaching challenges the popular but misguided notion that only outward actions matter in defining righteousness. The Pharisees were content with avoiding the external act of adultery, but Jesus makes it clear that sin begins long before the physical act. Proverbs 6:25 warns, “Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes.” The heart is the source of all moral choices, and a heart that harbors lust is already moving toward sin.

The phrase “has already committed adultery with her in his heart” presents the severity of lust by equating it with adultery. While lust does not carry the same earthly consequences as physical adultery, Jesus teaches that it is spiritually equivalent in terms of guilt and moral offense before God. “In his heart” points to the inner realm of thoughts and desires where sin originates. Proverbs 4:23 emphasizes the importance of guarding the heart: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

Jesus’ teaching here is consistent with the overall message of the Sermon on the Mount, where He calls for a righteousness that exceeds that of the Pharisees (Matthew 5:20). Their superficial righteousness focused on external compliance with the law, but Jesus emphasizes a deeper righteousness that transforms the heart and mind. This internal purity is essential for genuine discipleship and reflects the holiness of Jehovah Himself.

Furthermore, lust in the heart is not a minor issue—it is a serious violation of God’s moral standard. It dishonors both the person being lusted after and the person harboring the lust. It objectifies others, reducing them to instruments for personal gratification rather than treating them with the dignity and respect that comes from being made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Lust also damages the heart, fostering discontent, corrupting relationships, and weakening spiritual integrity.

Jesus’ warning is not merely theoretical—it is a call to action. In the verses that follow, Jesus uses vivid, hyperbolic language to emphasize the urgency of dealing with sin: “If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away… And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away” (Matthew 5:29–30). This imagery highlights the need for radical measures to eliminate sources of temptation and prevent sin from taking root. While Jesus is not advocating literal self-mutilation, His words emphasize the seriousness of sin and the need for decisive action to guard against lust.

The apostle Paul reinforces this same principle in Colossians 3:5: “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.” The phrase “put to death” underscores the need for deliberate and decisive action to root out sinful desires before they lead to greater transgressions.

The battle against lust requires vigilance, discipline, and dependence on God’s strength. Psalm 119:9 provides practical wisdom: “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.” Filling the mind and heart with God’s Word creates a defense against sinful desires and helps to cultivate purity of thought and action.

Moreover, guarding the heart and mind involves not only avoiding obvious sources of temptation but also cultivating a mindset of holiness and contentment. Philippians 4:8 encourages believers to focus on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. Developing a heart that delights in God’s truth makes it less susceptible to the destructive allure of lust.

Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:28 also reinforces the need for genuine repentance and transformation. Recognizing the seriousness of lust should drive believers to confess their sin, seek forgiveness, and pursue holiness. 1 John 1:9 offers the promise that “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Ultimately, Matthew 5:28 teaches that lust is not merely a private, hidden issue—it is a matter of the heart that requires serious attention and spiritual discipline. Jesus’ words call believers to radical purity, moral vigilance, and wholehearted commitment to reflecting God’s holiness. Lust is not harmless or insignificant—it is a sin that, if left unchecked, leads to spiritual ruin. By cultivating purity of heart and mind through the power of God’s Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, believers can walk in righteousness, honor Jehovah, and reflect His holiness in every aspect of life.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).