Jesus had much to say about money and possessions. His followers who seek his kingdom are not to pursue earthly treasures but are to pursue something of eternal value. Through this passage we are challenges to consider the desires of our hearts.
In this passage Jesus continued to teach how the righteousness of his followers must exceed the righteousness of the Pharisees. We see clearly that mere external righteousness is no righteousness at all. The passage challenges us to examine our own motivations for performing righteous acts.
All of us get better than we deserve from God. None of us gets what we deserve. Because of God’s mercy and Fatherhood over us, we, God’s children, must be merciful and loving to others, even our enemies.
With the same veracity, Jesus examines lust as the root of adultery. Adultery flourishes in the discontented heart. Purity needs to be pursued with vigilance and passion.
