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
So, given what you know about the context of this passage (see yesterday’s devotion for a quick refresher), what do you think it has to say to us today?
On the one hand, we live in a world desperately in need of reconciliation. People with opposing views marginalize and mock one another on talk radio and talking-head TV. People have drawn up sides on everything from politics to social policies to sports allegiances. Many ELCA congregations and their members have been touched deeply and painfully by decisions from this summer’s Churchwide Assembly. Is there room for us to disagree and still remain united? Or should we shake the dust from our feet at those on ‘the other side’ and get on with our lives?
It may be that our fractured relationships are a byproduct of sin. But if we fully and faithfully put our lives in Jesus’ hands, can we somehow have abundant life in Him anyway? Perhaps that is the only way to truly be set free.
Prayer
Free me, Jesus, from the prejudices, bitterness, anxiety, and pain that keeps me from fully sharing in your abundant love. Amen.