In this passage from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, our Lord cites several passages from the Old Testament law, such as “Do not murder,” “Do not commit adultery,” etc. He then adds his divine wisdom on the deeper meanings of those laws, and emphasizes that our thoughts and motives are also subject to the dictates of the law. So if we think about murdering someone, or committing adultery, or committing any other sin, we have actually committed that sin. Ouch!
Jesus’ main message here is about life in the Kingdom of God. He shows us that kingdom life goes far beyond simply obeying God’s laws. In the Kingdom of God our thoughts must also be pure, good and true.
Now, if we are saved in Christ, our sinful thoughts certainly won’t change that. Similarly, in some ways we can say that people do not go to jail for thinking about murder. So does it really matter if we delight in sinful thinking?
Doesn’t matter. We have been saved so that we can become more suitable, effective agents in the Kingdom of God. When our thoughts align with Christ, we gain strength and understanding about God’s ways. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, our minds can become more and more like the mind of Christ. And if our mind is like that of Christ, we will share in His mercy, confidence, hope, and power.
Let the mind of Christ grow effectively within you.
