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
By 85 A.D., the Jewish Christians had been expelled from the synagogue, rejected and condemned by their faith community for their belief that Jesus was indeed the Son of God, the long-awaited Messiah. Their hearts were heavy and their minds were reeling: now what? Their very lives were in danger. This is the community of believers to whom John was writing. His underlying message: Stand fast. You have the truth. Hold firm to what you have come to know, what you have seen. God is with you.
Again and again in the New Testament, we read words encouraging us to build bridges between people. If we have the ability to be reconciled, we should do everything we can to draw ourselves together. But once in a while, we feel the sting of outright rejection. Reconciliation is not going to happen. What then? Is it enough to try our best to live faithfully, or does God have more in mind for us?
Prayer
Lord, forgive me for the ways I make this broken world even more in need of your salvation. Amen.