Into: Did Jesus Speak on Sexual Immorality?
Sexual immorality is not a minor issue in Scripture. And Jesus did not remain silent on the matter. In fact, He went beyond the surface of actions and addressed the heart of the issue. This article explores did Jesus speak on sexual immorality by diving deep into His teachings, especially in the Sermon on the Mount and Revelation.
1. Jesus Elevated the Standard Beyond the Physical
In Matthew 5:27-28, part of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says:
“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”
This teaching redefines purity. Jesus wasn’t merely against the physical act of adultery. He revealed that the thoughts and intentions of the heart are equally important. In doing so, He made it clear that sexual immorality starts within long before any outward action. Jesus did speak on sexual immorality by pointing us to the battle within.
2. Jesus Taught That Purity is a Heart Issue
In Mark 7:20-23, Jesus listed what defiles a man:
“…For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications…”
Here, Jesus identified fornication and adultery as issues flowing from a corrupted heart. This reinforces His earlier teaching that sin isn’t merely external; it begins in the inner life. Did Jesus speak on sexual immorality? Absolutely—and He showed it flows from the heart.
3. Jesus Condemned Sexual Immorality in Revelation
In Revelation 2:20-22, Jesus speaks directly to the church in Thyatira:
“…Thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication…”
Jesus warned of coming judgment unless they repented. This message to the church shows that He still considers sexual immorality a serious offense even after His resurrection and ascension. Once again, the answer to the question “did Jesus speak on sexual immorality” is clearly yes.
4. Jesus Defended God’s Design for Marriage and Sexual Faithfulness
In Matthew 19:4-6, Jesus affirms the Genesis account:
“Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female… Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh.”
Jesus reinforces that sexual intimacy belongs in marriage between a man and a woman, and that this bond is sacred and not to be broken. This foundational teaching shows that Jesus did speak on sexual immorality by upholding God’s design.
5. Jesus Refused to Dismiss Sexual Sin
In John 8:11, after forgiving the woman caught in adultery, Jesus said:
“Go, and sin no more.”
His forgiveness was real, but so was His call to repentance. He didn’t minimize her sin—He offered her a new start. This compassionate moment still answers our question—did Jesus speak on sexual immorality? Yes, with both grace and truth.
6. Jesus Warned About the Consequences of Lust
In Matthew 5:29-30, Jesus said:
“If thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out… it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.”
This hyperbolic language reveals just how serious Jesus considered lust and sexual sin. Better to lose a member of the body than to lose your soul. This again affirms that Jesus did speak on sexual immorality—warning of its eternal consequences.
7. Jesus’s Teachings Fulfilled the Law’s Spirit
In Matthew 5:17, Jesus said:
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law… but to fulfill.”
His words on sexual immorality were not abolishing the commandments but going deeper—showing the heart behind them. His mission was to call people back to God’s holiness. The entire Sermon on the Mount answers clearly: yes, Jesus did speak on sexual immorality.
Call to Repentance
Jesus didn’t speak on sexual immorality to shame, but to redeem. His call is one of mercy and transformation. If you’ve struggled in this area, know that Jesus offers cleansing and restoration. He invites you to walk in purity through His Spirit.
“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8)
Let us turn to Him today.
Prayer: “Lord Jesus, thank You for speaking truth with compassion. Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. Help me to flee sexual immorality and walk in holiness. In Your name, Amen.”