Matthew 5:27–28 - “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.”

How is this possible? It seems unreasonable. Has Jesus raised the bar to an even higher standard?

God gave commands in the Law. Jesus here seems to explain the mechanism and process by which our hearts fall apart.

Suppose a woman conceives. What happens in the normal course? A baby is born and grows up into an adult. It’s guaranteed!

Sin comes with a “birth guarantee” also:

James 1:15 - desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

We could substitute here and say, “lust when it has conceived gives birth to adultery, and adultery when it is fully grown brings forth death.”

Lust unravels our flesh and bones and lives.

Jesus tells us that lust is a baby that leads to adultery. Guaranteed. Adultery against God himself and very possibly a spouse (if married).

Lust (the baby) must be killed - no matter the cost. It’s not “just a baby” or “just a look at someone beautiful” - it’s a trojan horse ruthless assassin. Wipe it out. Now!

Slaughtering all sin babies is appropriate and required - even at the lust level - because, if we don’t, that small look and lust will grow up to thrust us through with disorder and death!

Help us crush the enemy, Father!

Jeremiah 20:11 - the Lord is with me as a dread warrior; therefore my persecutors will stumble; they will not overcome me.