“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 lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell.  “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. “Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.’  But I say to you: Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.  And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black.  Let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one.

Deeper Dive

Jesus explains that looking at someone lustfully is akin to committing adultery. Jesus suggests drastic actions, like removing the eye or hand, to prevent sin, emphasising the importance of purity. Jesus reiterates that divorce should be avoided except in cases of marital unfaithfulness. He advises against making oaths, encouraging a simple affirmation or denial instead. Jesus also calls for a shift from outward compliance to inner transformation: Evaluate the motivations behind actions and thoughts. Strive for a heart grounded in love, humility, and purity. Prioritise mending broken relationships promptly. By understanding and applying these principles, believers can nurture a genuine, heartfelt connection with God, transforming lives in alignment with His will.

“If you will, you can keep the commandments, and to act faithfully is a matter of your own choice.  He has placed before you fire and water: stretch out your hand for whichever you wish.
Before a man are life and death, and whichever he chooses will be given to him. For great is the wisdom of the Lord; he is mighty in power and sees everything; his eyes are on those who fear him, he knows every deed of man. He has not commanded any one to be ungodly, and he has not given any one permission to sin.”

Deeper Dive

Sirach, written by Ben Sira around 200-175 BCE, is part of the Apocrypha in many Christian traditions. This book aims to provide moral teachings and practical advice in the form of poetry and proverbs. It places significant emphasis on human free will. The idea that following God’s commandments is a choice underscores the theme of moral autonomy. It suggests that individuals are empowered to make decisions that align or diverge from divine teachings. Sirach metaphorically compares life’s choices to fire and water. This dichotomy represents good and evil, life and death. It highlights the clear, yet complex, decisions we must make, challenging us to act wisely. He also reaffirms the idea that our choices have consequences. It implies divine justice, suggesting that God respects human freedom and holds individuals accountable for their decisions. The broader context of Sirach suggests that wisdom—rooted in the fear of the Lord—is central to making righteous choices. It serves as a guiding light, helping individuals navigate the moral complexity.

“Yet among the mature we do speak wisdom, though it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are being destroyed. But we speak God’s wisdom, a hidden mystery, which God decreed before the ages for our glory and which none of the rulers of this age understood, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him”— God has revealed to us through the Spirit, for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.” According to Paul, true wisdom is revealed through the Spirit. He speaks of a “mystery” hidden before the ages.

Deeper Dive

Paul’s letters to the Corinthians are known for addressing the challenges faced by the early Church. Paul introduces the concept of a mature wisdom not recognised by the rulers of this age. This divine wisdom transcends human understanding, marking a clear distinction between what is earthly and what is heavenly. This suggests that divine wisdom is not just a matter of intellect but a gift of revelation through the Holy Spirit. Paul alludes to the rulers of the age not understanding this wisdom, which led to the crucifixion of Christ. Paul quotes Isaiah, illustrating that no eye has seen nor ear heard what God has prepared for those who love Him. Here, the focus is on the gift of revelation granted to believers, made possible only through the Spirit. Believers are called to live with an eternal perspective, grounded in the knowledge that God’s wisdom surpasses all human understanding. This perspective encourages faith, patience, and a commitment to spiritual growth. It urges Christians to seek spiritual discernment. By relying on the Holy Spirit, believers can navigate the complexities of life, discerning truth from falsehood.

Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.  For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. “You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder,’ and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’  But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment, and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council, and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.

Deeper Dive

The Sermon on the Mount is a powerful discourse providing profound teachings on the fulfillment of the Law, righteousness, and the spirit of the commandments. It begins with Jesus clarifying His relationship with the Law. Jesus emphasises that His mission is not to dismantle the Law but to bring it to completion. He underscores that the Law remains until heaven and earth pass away, indicating its enduring significance. Jesus warns: “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” True righteousness involves inner transformation, not just adherence to rules. Jesus challenges listeners to seek a deeper, purer form of righteousness. Jesus addresses the commandment against murder, extending its meaning to anger. Jesus equates unwarranted anger with the gravity of murder. He stresses resolving conflicts swiftly, urging reconciliation before offering gifts at the altar.