When the religionists of Jesus’ day brought a woman to him caught in adultery, they expected he would uphold the Jewish law and condemn her to death by stoning. Instead of meeting their expectations, he used the opportunity to shift their focus from judging others to self-examination when he said, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her [the woman caught in adultery]." — John 8:7
At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her,
“Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
“No one, sir,” she said.
“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” — John 8:9-11Jesus did not judge this woman like the religionists did. He did not condemn her to death. His actions demonstrate his forgiveness. He communicates to her his expectation moving forward. He tells her, “go now and leave your life of sin.”
Jesus’ expectation for this woman is no different than his expectation is for us today. He forgives our sin, and he expects us to leave our life of sin.
How can we leave our life of sin? I’m convinced that the key is for us to keep our focus on Jesus and follow him. As we follow him, he gives us the Holy Spirit to help us with our sin problem.
Beloved, stay focused on Jesus. Allow the Holy Spirit to empower you to be victorious. Follow Jesus on this wonderful journey he has us on. As we focus on him, continuing his point-of-need ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit, he takes us on a wonderful journey from earth to Glory.
Know that you are loved,
gaj
