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
Jesus comes to us just as he came to those who first heard him. He comes to a people bound in their sin, in desperate need of freedom. But we disagree.
In response to Jesus’ offer of freedom, certain Jews responded that as children of Abraham they have never been slaves to anyone. Apparently they had forgotten their Egyptian bondage, Babylonian captivity and current Roman occupation. How could they need freedom? They were committed to a myth of self-determination.
And so are we, perhaps even more than the crowds who followed Jesus. We are dedicated to ideals of freedom that are nothing more than a desperate attempt to control our future. Yet sin, death and the devil continue to lurk, whether or not we pay them any heed. Jesus first points out the simple truth that we are bound. But then, amazingly, good news comes. The word comes. Jesus comes and we are free.
Prayer
Lord, keep us steadfast in your word. Place your truth in our hearts and remove our shackles, that we may follow you in newness of life. Amen.