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
You will know the truth and the truth will make you free, Jesus promises.
"But we have never been slaves to anyone!" "Slavery? That has nothing to do with us," we chime in with Jesus' hearers.
In the face of our sometimes willful ignorance about history and about God's work in the world, Jesus comes to bring grace upon grace by announcing a liberation greater than any we could have hoped for. "Everyone," he tells us, "who is caught up in the bondage of sin is a slave to it. But when the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed." Amen! The reign of God is coming into the world. The Son comes to draw all people to himself. And if the Son says you have a place in this world and a place in God's kingdom, you are free and you have a permanent place everywhere God dwells. The kingdom's ours forever.
Prayer
Jesus, our champion, keep sending your Spirit to announce release from bondage and freedom for those oppressed. We trust in you. Amen.