John 8:31-47

 John 8:31-47

John 8 is perhaps one of the deepest and most profound passages of scripture. This is especially true of this passage.  One general theme is that of truth and falsehood. Jesus says those who believe Him "If you abide in My word then you are truly Disciples of Mine and you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free."   That phrase “the truth shall make you free” has become co-opted by political and social organizations, taken out of context and badly miss used. To understand that phrase we must take it in context and progression. 

First we abide or live in the word or teaching of Jesus. This is more than His teaching about moral conduct. Following His teaching about moral conduct does set us free from the great many evils of sin’s consequences. But to live in His teachings or word is to believe who He is. When we believe in who He is then we become Disciples of Jesus. Being a disciple of Jesus is more than an intellectual exercise.  Being a disciple is impossible without the truth of who He is. A person who denies the truth of Jesus's teachings about Himself is not a Christian or disciple no matter what they claim. 

The conjunction “and” is critical. Truth cannot be known, in the experiential sense of the word, by the non disciple. Being a disciple and “knowing the truth” are inseparable. It is that truth that Jesus is who He says He is and our believing that makes us a disciple, and that sets us free. It is not freedom in a political or social way but freedom in a liberty from sin. Knowing and believing Jesus is freedom, a freedom that transforms the person no matter their personal or political status.

“Lord, grant that I will both know what Jesus teaches but also know Jesus.  AMEN”