truth - Dead Man Not Walking

Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:34-36, NASB)

” . . . and the truth will make you free.” Jesus had just finished talking with some Jews about how to find the truth, and that once they had found it, they would be free. (see “Truth” from January 24, 2022) They’re incensed, because as they explain to Jesus, they are descendants of Abraham, and have never been anybody’s slaves. How dare Jesus imply they needed to be freed? That’s where the text above begins.

Jesus explains what they don’t understand: That they are sinners, and because they sin, they are slaves to sin. The Bible tells us that we are all sinners. For us to have a relationship with God, Who is holy, and can’t tolerate sin anywhere near Him, there must be a way for us to repent. A way of reconciliation with Him.

John 8:36 image. Found at Keith McGivern, https://medium.com/@keithmcgivern/if-the-son-therefore-shall-make-you-free-ye-shall-be-free-indeed-john-8-36-1428782a380d

Jesus goes on to further explain: He says that the slave (that’s the people He’s talking with, and US!) doesn’t remain in a household forever, and doesn’t figure in to the master’s inheritance; but the son (that’s Jesus) does. He uses a construct they all understand (a slave vs. the son, and heir to the master’s estate) to differentiate between the sinner and the One Who offers forgiveness of sins.

Jesus concludes by telling them, “So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” Jesus can break the chains of sin. He, and He alone, provides the way for us to be reconciled with the Holy God, and to spend eternity in fellowship with Him. Has Jesus set you free? All you have to do is ask Him.

Worship: “Free to Worship,” Eddie James

So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (John 8:31-32, NASB)

As I write, I look out my window and see a fresh blanket of snow from God’s storehouse (Job 38:22). It’s beautiful. Our neighbor’s grandsons shoveled our driveway, so that’s one less thing Sue has to worry about. I thank God for those young men. Shoveling snow is yet another item I’m unable to do for her.

Sue and I used to be involved in party politics in our county. It always amazed me that even though the people on our committee agreed on 99% of the issues, there were still arguments. More than once during these disputes, I heard one party say to the other, “The truth shall set you free.” What that person was really implying was that the other was lying (Another phrase I heard a lot was, “I’ll pray for you.” I knew that person wouldn’t pray for the other, but I always thought I would respond by saying, “Really? And how will you pray for me?” Or give them a list of my prayer requests!).

Once while reading this passage I realized that there is a lot more to this than just an accusation or a retort while arguing. There is a progression that leads one to finding the truth before he is set free. There is also the aspect of truth being found in a Person.

According to the Apostle John’s account, Jesus is speaking with some Jews who believe in what He has been saying. He begins this “If . . . then” progression with “If you continue in My word,” meaning they believe in Jesus, and love Him, and follow His commandments. The result of this condition? ” . . . then you are truly disciples of Mine.”

So in order to become a disciple of Jesus, you must believe in Him, love Him, and listen to His words. Jesus goes on to say that once that condition is met “you will know the truth.” Once one knows the truth, then “the truth will make you free.” So in order to be freed, you must know the truth. To know the truth you have to be a disciple of Jesus. And to be His disciple, you must believe in Him, love Him, and follow His commandments.

Simply put (I’m all for simplicity, as I’m very simple!), in order for the truth to make you free, you have to know Jesus. After all, truth is a person, He has a name, and His name is Jesus.

Worship: “The Truth Will Set You Free” by Dion DiMucci