JESUS SAID THESE WORDS......."THE TRUTH WILL MAKE YOU FREE."

In the Gospel of John, Jesus had been speaking to the Pharisees. They were questioning his authority to speak as he did, and, because many of the people believed in him, saying “When the Christ appears, will he do more signs than this man has done?” (7:31), the Pharisees sent officers to arrest him. (7:32), But the officers came back without him saying, "no-one has ever spoken like this man!" (7:46).

In chapter 8, verse 12 Jesus told them he was the light of the world, but they didn’t understand and told him that he was bearing witness to himself, (in other words, blowing his own trumpet - which means showing off). But Jesus told them his Father bore witness to him. They asked him who his Father was, and Jesus told them they neither know him or his Father. (8:19). He prophesied about his ascension when he said, “I go away, and you will seek me and die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come.” (8:21). [I think dying in their sin means that they will refuse to repent or acknowledge Jesus as Lord]

The questioning went on, then Jesus turned to those who had believed in him, and said, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free!” (8:31). Some were offended, so, Jesus explained that he meant they were slaves to sin, and until they are set free from sin and its consequences, everyone is in bondage, but that he -Jesus - has the authority to set people free.

Jesus says that continuing in his word/teaching, they become his disciples, they will know the truth, that Jesus is the Messiah – the one sent from the Father to save the world and knowing that truth will set them free from both the sin and its consequences. He goes on to say, “if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” (8:36). The Father has given authority to his Son, because the Son does what the Father has taught him. (8:28)

The Pharisees are offended, and Jesus ends up saying, “Why do you not understand what I say?” (8:43).

Their minds were made dull because they were proud and felt above everyone else. They did not like being told they were sinners like everyone else.

As for us, we know we are sinners and need freeing from the consequences of that sin, so our eyes are opened to Jesus. Thanks be to God.

So, we need to continue in our faith because God the Father gave Jesus, an innocent man, up to the cross instead of us. Our eyes should always be on Jesus so that he can lead us home.

May the Lord bless us with open eyes, clear minds and steadfast hearts.

This is how I understand my God.

Read for yourself, see what you think.