Conviction

 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.
John 8:9 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/jhn.8.9.ESV

'Let the one without sin throw the first stone'. If you're a murderous religious person, the older you are, the more likely you are to be self aware. People often hope they'll overcome their besetting sins. I've heard said that the sins we struggle with in our youth tend to be what we struggle with in later years. So far, so true.

The law of Moses declared that adulterers were to be stoned. Jesus, the only Sinless One, declared that no sinner has the right to enforce that law. In doing so, He dismantled and notion of theocracy.

Theocracy will be established when Jesus returns, not any time sooner. When He returns, death by stoning will be the least of our worries. We deserve eternal hell for our rebellion against Him.

Thankfully, in these days of grace, Jesus refuses to condemn us. He simply commands us, like the woman caught in adultery, to go and leave our lives of sin. God help us live holy lives for Him!

'Dear Lord, please help us to leave our lives of sin and to follow You wholeheartedly all our days until You call us home. For the honour of Your name, amen'

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