Healing the Heart: Jesus’ Teaching on Adultery and the Path to Purity (5:27-32).

 

In Matthew 5:27-32, Jesus delivers one of His most challenging teachings regarding the sanctity of marriage and the seriousness of adultery. To understand this teaching in its historical and biblical context, it is essential to trace the roots of human relationships and how they have been affected by sin since the fall of Adam and Eve.

Historical and Biblical Context

The Fall and Its Consequences

In the Genesis account, God creates Adam and Eve and places them in the Garden of Eden, intending for them to live in perfect harmony with Him and with each other. Their relationship is designed to be one of mutual love, respect, and collaboration. However, the fall, described in Genesis 3, introduces sin into the world, fundamentally altering human relationships.

After eating the forbidden fruit, Adam and Eve experience shame and guilt, leading to a breakdown in their relationship. Adam blames Eve, and the harmonious relationship they once enjoyed is marred by accusations and mistrust. This event sets a precedent for the power struggles, domination, and seduction that have characterized many human relationships throughout history.

Adultery in the Old Testament

Adultery is explicitly condemned in the Old Testament, notably in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:14). It is seen not only as a sin against one's spouse but also as a violation of God's covenant. The consequences of adultery were severe, often resulting in the death penalty (Leviticus 20:10). This underscores the gravity with which adultery was viewed in ancient Israelite society.

Jesus' Teaching in Matthew 5:27-32

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses the issue of adultery in a profound and radical way. He says:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.”

A Radical Call to Purity

Jesus' teaching goes beyond the physical act of adultery to address the root of the issue: the condition of the heart. He emphasizes that lustful thoughts are equivalent to adultery, thus raising the standard of purity. Jesus is not merely concerned with outward actions but with inner intentions. This teaching challenges His listeners to examine their hearts and motives, calling for a radical commitment to purity and holiness. It is for these reasons that Jesus said: “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God” (Mt 5:8).  

Spiritual Reflection for Today

Acknowledging the Brokenness

For those struggling with the sin Jesus denounces, it is important to first acknowledge the brokenness that sin has introduced into human relationships. Since the fall, relationships between men and women have often been characterized by power struggles, domination, and seduction, rather than mutual love and respect. Understanding this historical context can help us recognize the depth of our struggles and the pervasive nature of sin.

Seeking Transformation through Christ

Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:27-32 is ultimately about transformation. It is a call to pay attention to what is happening deep down in the heart. It is for this reason that Jesus presents the law of purity as transformation of the heart and not just external observances (Matthew 15:19-20). It is not merely a call to avoid sinful actions but an invitation to seek a renewed heart and mind. “You shall worship the Lord your God with all your heart…”, cfr Deuteronomy 6: 4-7. This transformation is possible through a relationship with Jesus Christ, who offers forgiveness and the power to overcome sin. By focusing on Him, we can find the strength to resist lustful thoughts and behaviors.

Embracing Mutual Love and Respect

A key aspect of overcoming the struggle with lust and adultery is embracing the biblical ideal of relationships based on mutual love and respect. This involves seeing others as made in the image and likeness of God, deserving of dignity and honor. It also requires a commitment to self-control and the pursuit of pure thoughts and actions. This is possible when we collaborate with the grace of God given to us through the Holy Spirit.Galatians 5:22-26 help us to understand how the Spirit of God helps us to discover and live this inner freedom to love in spirit and in truth.

Practical Steps for Purity

1.    Prayer and Meditation: Regular prayer and meditation on Scripture can help us align their hearts and minds with God's will.

2.    Accountability: For married couples, having an accountability partner can provide support and encouragement in the struggle against sin.

3.    Guarding the Eyes and Mind: Being mindful of what one watches, reads, and thinks about can help prevent lustful thoughts. “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light.

4.    Community Support: Being part of a Christian community where we support and encourage each other can provide the necessary resources to live what Jesus teaches us today.

Conclusion

Jesus' teaching on adultery in today’s Gospel offers us   a profound call to purity that addresses the heart of human relationships. By understanding the historical and biblical context, acknowledging our brokenness introduced by sin, and seeking transformation through Christ, we can overcome the sin of lust and adultery.  Jesus really wants us to be happy, live a fulfilled life, free from every form of slavery of which sin is a terrible expression. Let’s remember that “Happy are the Pure in Spirit, for they shall see God”.  May God give us the grace to make of our hearts His dwelling place and our eyes capable of seeing others and the world with Christ-like love.