Jesus said, “And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will go down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.” Matthew 11:23

What mighty works did Jesus do that failed to lead those in Capernaum to repent?

Jesus healed a Roman centurion’s servant who was paralyzed (imprisoned in his how body, unable to escape). (Matthew 8:5-13, Luke 7:1-10).

Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law of a fever (burning up on the inside) (Matthew 8:14-15, Mark 1:29-31, Luke 4:38-39).

Jesus healed a paralyzed man who was lowered through the roof by his friends (judged a sinner in his heart). Jesus also said, “Your sins are forgiven!” (Matthew 9:1-8, Mark 2:1-12, Luke 5:17-26).

Jesus cast out an unclean spirit from a man in the synagogue (controlled by dark voices and thoughts) (Mark 1:21-28, Luke 4:31-37).

Jesus healed the son of a royal official, who was at the point of death (no respecter of persons, death comes to all) (John 4:46-54).

Jesus said of His Holy Spirit, “When He comes, He will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.” John 16:8

Sin is rebellion against God and His word. Jesus is righteous and in Jesus, we have his righteousness as our own. The devil is judged and defeated. The only power the devil has today is the power we give him and our willingness to believe his lies.

Jesus said to the woman caught in sin, “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more (repent) (John 8:11).” Jesus didn’t come to judge but to save (John 12:47).

Paul says, “If someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently.” Galatians 6 1.

We’re All Restoration Projects

Three words jump out: spiritual, restore, gently.  If we are working in the Holy Spirit, with great care, gentleness, and love, restore the individual. In the same way, we might restore a piece of furniture or vehicle we greatly value, restore in this way. If we can’t do that, keep silent and step away.

Add to this attitude of loving restoration, praying for the Holy Spirit of Jesus to convict of sin, convince the individual they are forgiven by Jesus, and confirm in the person that in Christ they are righteous.

Here is the Gospel truth:

• The Law never led to righteousness (Romans 3:20, Galatians 2:16, 3:11, 3:21-22, Philippians 3:9).
• But the Grace of God will (Genesis 15:6, Romans 4:3-5, Ephesians 2:8-9, 3:24, Titus 3:5-7).

There are a great many who believe in Jesus and yet continue to live in sin and promote sin. The solution is not more Law, but more Love. We can love others and God at the same time. In fact, Jesus said that is spirit of the Law.

If we feel unloved check the roots. It’s a good bet we feel judged by others and ourselves. Guilt and shame are from the enemy. He’s the accuser, not Jesus — and the accuser certainly should not be Believers.

What does love do? We know (1 Peter 4:8). Here is how we send Jesus to others: pray, obey, love, repeat.

Today bring that person who lives in sin to the feet of Jesus. In prayer, ask His Holy Spirit to do a mighty work in their heart.

If the person is so desperate for love that sin is attractive, imagine how much more they will welcome the liberating love of Jesus when it is hugged into them and prayed over them.