Jesus’ teachings on adultery cut straight to the heart of the matter—literally. He challenges not only the physical act of adultery but also the thoughts and intentions behind it. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus elevates the standard from external obedience to internal purity, calling His followers to guard their hearts against lust and temptation. His words about gouging out a sinful eye or cutting off a hand aren’t literal commands but powerful metaphors urging radical action to protect one’s soul. It’s a call to take sin seriously and pursue holiness with conviction.
Yet, Jesus doesn’t stop at judgment—He offers grace. In the story of the woman caught in adultery, He masterfully exposes hypocrisy and shows compassion without condoning sin. His response, “Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin,” reflects both His mercy and His call to transformation. Jesus’ teachings ultimately point us to the deeper values of love, faithfulness, and the sacredness of marriage. They challenge us to live with integrity, to forgive, and to strive for relationships marked by commitment and grace.
Keep reading for a deeper dive into these powerful teachings—exploring their biblical roots, real-life applications, and how they can bring healing and transformation to our lives today.
Adultery is a subject Jesus addressed with clarity and authority. If you’ve ever wondered what Jesus said about it, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll explore Jesus’ teachings on adultery, including key Bible verses, and explain how these teachings apply to our lives today.
Jesus’ Teaching on Adultery in the Sermon on the Mount
One of the most well-known passages where Jesus talks about adultery is in the Sermon on the Mount. This sermon, found in the Gospel of Matthew, covers a range of moral and ethical teachings. Let’s look at what Jesus said:
The Letter of the Law vs. The Spirit of the Law
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.”
Here, Jesus emphasizes that adultery isn’t just about the physical act. It’s about the intentions and desires in your heart. Jesus takes the seventh commandment, “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14), and deepens its meaning. He calls us to a higher standard, one that looks beyond mere actions to the motivations behind them.
Radical Purity
Jesus continues in Matthew 5:29-30, saying, “If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.”
These verses are not advocating self-harm but rather illustrate the seriousness with which we should approach sin. Jesus urges us to take drastic measures to avoid sin, including the sin of adultery. The message is clear: maintaining purity is crucial, and we should avoid anything that leads us to sin.
The Story of the Woman Caught in Adultery
Another significant instance where Jesus addresses adultery is found in John 8:1-11. This story provides a powerful example of Jesus’ approach to sin, grace, and redemption.
A Test of Jesus’ Judgment
In this story, the Pharisees bring a woman caught in adultery to Jesus. They ask Him if she should be stoned, as prescribed by the Law of Moses. Their goal is to trap Jesus into saying something they can use against Him. However, Jesus responds in a way that highlights His wisdom and compassion.
“Let Any One of You Who is Without Sin…”
Jesus famously replies, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” (John 8:7). One by one, the accusers leave, until only Jesus and the woman remain.
Go and Sin No More
Jesus then tells the woman, “Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin” (John 8:11). Here, Jesus doesn’t condone her sin, but He also doesn’t condemn her. He offers her grace and a new beginning, urging her to change her ways.
The Heart of the Matter: Love and Faithfulness
Jesus’ teachings on adultery ultimately point to a deeper principle: the importance of love and faithfulness. Adultery is a betrayal of trust and a violation of the commitment made between spouses. Jesus calls us to honor these commitments and to love each other genuinely and faithfully.
Marriage as a Sacred Covenant
In Matthew 19:4-6, Jesus discusses marriage, saying, “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
Marriage is portrayed as a sacred union, one that should not be broken. Adultery undermines this unity, damaging the relationship and the individuals involved.
Practical Applications for Today
So, what can we take away from Jesus’ teachings on adultery? Here are a few practical applications:
Guard Your Heart
Jesus teaches that adultery begins in the heart. Be mindful of your thoughts and desires. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Cultivate a pure heart and avoid situations that might lead you into temptation.
Practice Radical Honesty
Honesty and transparency are crucial in relationships. If you’re struggling with temptation, seek accountability and support. Open communication with your spouse can help strengthen your relationship and prevent misunderstandings.
Seek Forgiveness and Offer Grace
If you’ve committed adultery, it’s essential to seek forgiveness—from God, your spouse, and yourself. Healing and reconciliation are possible, but it requires honesty, repentance, and a commitment to change. Similarly, if you’ve been betrayed, offering grace and seeking to rebuild trust is vital, though it’s a challenging process.
Commit to Faithfulness
Faithfulness in marriage is a reflection of God’s faithfulness to us. Strive to be loyal and committed to your spouse, honoring the vows you made. Ephesians 5:25 instructs husbands to “love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” This love is sacrificial and enduring, setting a high standard for marital relationships.
Conclusion
Jesus’ teachings on adultery challenge us to look beyond the physical act and examine our hearts. He calls us to a higher standard of purity, faithfulness, and love. By guarding our hearts, practicing honesty, seeking forgiveness, and committing to faithfulness, we can live out these principles in our relationships.
Remember, Jesus offers grace and a path to redemption. If you’ve stumbled, there’s hope for renewal. Embrace His teachings and strive to build relationships that reflect His love and faithfulness.
FAQs About What Jesus Said About Adultery
1. What did Jesus say about adultery in the Sermon on the Mount?
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “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” (Matthew 5:27-28). Jesus emphasizes that adultery isn’t just about the physical act but also about the intentions and desires in your heart.
2. How did Jesus respond to the woman caught in adultery?
When the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery to Jesus, He said, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” (John 8:7). After her accusers left, Jesus told the woman, “Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin” (John 8:11). Jesus showed grace while urging her to change her ways.
3. What is the significance of Jesus’ teaching on the heart and adultery?
Jesus teaches that adultery begins in the heart. By saying that looking at someone lustfully is akin to committing adultery, He underscores the importance of inner purity and the intentions behind our actions.
4. How can I apply Jesus’ teachings on adultery to my life today?
To apply Jesus’ teachings, you can:
- Guard your heart by being mindful of your thoughts and desires.
- Practice radical honesty and transparency in your relationships.
- Seek forgiveness if you’ve committed adultery and offer grace if you’ve been betrayed.
- Commit to faithfulness in your marriage, reflecting God’s faithfulness to us.
5. What does Jesus say about marriage and faithfulness?
In Matthew 19:4-6, Jesus talks about marriage as a sacred union, saying, “Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” He calls us to honor our marital commitments and remain faithful to our spouses.
6. What should I do if I’ve committed adultery?
If you’ve committed adultery, seek forgiveness from God, your spouse, and yourself. Repentance, honesty, and a commitment to change are crucial for healing and reconciliation.
7. How does Jesus’ approach to adultery differ from the Old Testament law?
While the Old Testament law condemns the physical act of adultery, Jesus expands this teaching to include lustful thoughts and intentions. He emphasizes inner purity and the condition of the heart, calling us to a higher standard of righteousness.
8. Why is it important to guard your heart according to Jesus’ teachings?
Guarding your heart is essential because, as Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Your thoughts and desires influence your actions, so maintaining a pure heart helps prevent sinful behaviors like adultery.
9. What role does grace play in Jesus’ teaching on adultery?
Grace is central to Jesus’ teaching. He doesn’t condemn the woman caught in adultery but offers her a chance to repent and change. This demonstrates that while sin is serious, Jesus provides a path to forgiveness and redemption.
10. How can couples strengthen their relationship to prevent adultery?
Couples can strengthen their relationship by:
- Cultivating open and honest communication.
- Building trust and being transparent with each other.
- Seeking mutual support and accountability.
- Committing to love and faithfulness, reflecting Christ’s love for the church.
11. What is the broader message of Jesus’ teachings on adultery?
The broader message is about the importance of inner purity, faithfulness, and love in relationships. Jesus calls us to honor our commitments, avoid sinful desires, and seek forgiveness and grace when we fall short.
