Our Savior can empathize with us in our weakness, including when we struggle with temptations to lust and sexual immorality. “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Heb. 4:15). Christ also helps by the indwelling Holy Spirit. He fulfilled this promise: “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever” (John 14:16).

The episode of the woman caught in the act of adultery not only exposes how a person can be ensnared, but also show us how Jesus responded. The context indicates that the religious leaders sought an opportunity to accuse Him of being too strict or too permissive.

“Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them. The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst they said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more” (John 8:2-11).

Notice these transferable actions:

1. Jesus distracted His eyes (and mercifully shifted the attention of others off the accused woman).
2. He engaged with Scripture. (Whatever Jesus wrote on the ground was true.)
3. He paused and prayed. (Since prayer was a continual pattern, this would be implied here. Luke 3:21; 9:18,28,29; 22:32,41,44.)
4. He responded with righteousness, mercy and wisdom. (“Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”)

Whether male or female, adultery in the heart and actions is a temptation and snare. However, our Savior’s example instructs us, His blood cleanses us, and His Holy Spirit enables us.

We confess with the Psalmist: “My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for He will pluck my feet out of the net” (Psalm 25:15).

JBW