John 8:31-36 (NRSV)
Read John 8:31-36 on biblegateway.com
Verse 31Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; Verse 32and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." Verse 33They answered him, "We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, 'You will be made free'?" Verse 34Jesus answered them, "Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. Verse 35The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. Verse 36So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.
Devotion
What I love about John’s gospel is the embodiment of the Word. Where else do we get such a depiction of the importance of staying close to, abiding, keeping and continuing in God’s Word? Here Jesus presents something new.
Jesus says, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” Jesus is redefining our relationship with him. He is talking to a group of Jews who were brought up and taught to live UNDER the Law. Now he invites them and us into a whole new place, perspective and life.
By Christ’s action, we are no longer under, but in. We are not away from, but a part of. We are not lost, but free. Being IN the Word sets us FREE for the Word.