Hillside Thoughts for Friday

Matthew 5:28  “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

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The teaching continued with a comparison between the law of the Pharisees and the living law of Jesus. In this comparison, Jesus used an example from the big 10 handed down to Moses.  Infidelity, the unfaithfulness of love, an act of betrayal. The disciples look at each other with a calm assurance, “Not much of that going on here.” But Jesus goes further and points to the attitude of betrayal.  To look with a wrong motive is now out of bounds. Jesus was explaining to us hillside dwellers that betrayal is more than an outward act.

Quite a few of the multitude take a dramatic breath.  They are shocked.  It is easy to say I have not betrayed anyone. Nevertheless, Jesus was saying a simple and seemingly uncontrollable desire brings with it guilt. Jesus was making us all guilty before God. If the constraining law was only the outward act there would be puffed up chests and egos. The inward was a betrayer.

This view into the intent of God had little to do with outward acts. My outward righteousness is not enough. My ability to do the right thing at the right time in the right place was not enough.  I need God’s righteousness in my life. It is provided by Him for me.  The law should drive us to Jesus.