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

Monday, February 24, 2025

[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

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

5 Related Resources by Heartlight

Matthew 5:28
Devo: Today's Verse
"But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
Purity of Heart
Illustration of Matthew 5:28
Inspirational illustration of Matthew 5:28 -- But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Feeding the Monster
Article by Bill Keller
Are you feeding this monster? The leader of the Girls Gone Wild empire and smut king is facing charges and problems, but the real problem is the sexual addiction that pornography causes in the lives of men and women.
Going Deeper than the Old Commands
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Precious One, Today's message is very important because many in your religious world turn grace into an excuse to do whatever they want rather....."
See All 5 Related Resources about Matthew 5:27-28

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."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, February 24, 2025

God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Born of the Spirit' (Jn. 3:5-6)
"Jesus replied, "I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'More than Filling the Gap' (Acts 1:20-21)
"Peter continued [about the need to replace Judas], "This was written in the book of Psalms, where it says, 'Let his home become desolate, with no one...."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'The Glorious Grace Poured Out On Us' (Ep. 1:6-8)
"So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our...."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'The Sign of Righteousness' (Ro. 4:6-12)
"Dear Father, Thank you that the words your servant David spoke apply to us: "Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are..."

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.

More What Jesus Did!