31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to MY TEACHING, you are really MY DISCIPLES. 32 THEN YOU WILL KNOW THE TRUTH AND THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE.’ John 8
We might call this, ‘KNOWING BY WALKING’. To those who hold onto “MY TEACHING – MY DISCIPLES”. Later in John’s Gospel Jesus told the disciples He had more things to tell them, ‘but you cannot bear them now’. John 16:12
There are different layers of Truth in the Kingdom of God and it’s to be hoped we will grow in and into this Truth as we walk out our lives before God on earth. Young people gain more freedom from parents as they mature in life, for instance the right to drive cars. However, they have to learn how to become responsible before they are entrusted with such things. We should add that the Lord’s sacrifice on the Cross was a perfect work of Redemption that can never be changed.
33 They answered him, ‘We are Abraham’s descendants (By Birth) and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?’
This is often the answer given by people involved in religious observances, they see themselves as blameless. We’re ticking all the right boxes, perhaps going to Church, giving to the collection, being respectful and respectable BUT NOT IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD.
34 Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, EVERYONE WHO SINS IS A SLAVE TO SIN. (Jesus didn’t recognise any exceptions) 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it for ever.36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8
Verse 35 is a powerful scripture, contrasting the difference between a slave AND A SON. The slave has no permanent place IN THE FAMILY, BUT A SON HAS FULL RIGHTS BY BIRTH. HOWEVER, MANY OF GOD’S CHILDREN ARE NOT LIVING AS FULL FAMILY MEMBERS! Jesus told His disciples that as they held to His teachings and were led by His Spirit, they would be able to take hold of more Kingdom. (There’s always more for us in God)
9 For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light we see light. Psalm 36
Many today have made commitments to the Lord, but are walking by the light of this world and that’s not where we belong. Truth is only found in His Light and we need to walk and live in Him.
May the Lord bless and keep you today. Immanuel, God is with us.