[don-o]

Matthew 5:27

Exodus 20:14

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Heavens, Jesus isn't criticizing the scriptural prohibition not to commit adultery - where did you get that idea? As with much of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is revealing just how far the imperatives of the Decalogue go. They extend to thoughts as well as action. Jesus is saying that to even think about breaking the 7th commandment is to break it. He reinforces and discloses the true meaning of the scripture (despite what they may have “heard”) and in the process reveals to everyone, especially the pharisees, just how far from the Kingdom of Heaven they really are. Far from criticizing scripture here, Jesus is proclaiming just how important it really is - and the terrifying consequences that has for everyone.