Read and listen to the passage of Scripture below and then explore the related resources. As you reflect, consider this question: Why does Jesus tell his followers to tear out an eye and cut off a hand to avoid lust?
Matthew 5:27-30
Adultery and Lust
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Jesus believes that lust corrupts men and violates women’s dignity. And he uses intense imagery to challenge his followers to totally stop their destructive habits and replace them with practices of self-control and love for others.
Chapter from Sermon on the Mount E12
Drastic Measures for Something Better
With this graphic, figurative language, Jesus encourages his followers to break destructive habits of lust and replace them with practices of love toward God and neighbor.
For many of us, lust and sexual fantasy can feel natural and indispensable. But these habits are ultimately destructive to ourselves and others. By using graphic, figurative imagery, Jesus challenged his followers to take extreme measures to cut off lustful behaviors and replace them with practices of love for God and others.