To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
John 8:31-36
Looking for truth?
What is truth? Have you ever found yourself asking this question? Maybe it was during a debate in which both sides seemed to be slanting and shading the facts. Each debater denied the claims of the other, and even the "fact-checkers" on the different news networks seemed to disagree about who was telling the truth. What is truth? If you haven't asked this question in the realm of politics, perhaps you've asked it when it comes to your own personal health. How can yet another "scientifically proven" health recommendation be modified or completely overturned? Am I supposed to eat eggs, or not? Butter or margarine? Low fat or low carbs? When it comes to human truths, it really does seem that the only thing that never changes is that everything changes.
"To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, 'If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free'" (John 8:32). The truth that Jesus brings is far different than the truths and opinions of human beings. It is divine truth that never changes or disappoints, because everything Jesus said and did was in keeping with the ultimate reality—with God's reality. If you want to know the truth, capital T-r-u-t-h, listen to Jesus and obey his teaching.
What is that teaching? Jesus says, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin" (John 8:34). Without Jesus we are slaves to sin, imprisoned by our own self-destructive passions and impulses. What might seem like freedom is really nothing more than a self-serving existence. But with Jesus there is freedom! Jesus continues, "Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:35-36). The truth that Jesus brings leads to freedom. Jesus came to give his life, so that we could be set free from the power of sin that enslaves us.
As we go about our daily lives, sometimes truth seems so elusive that we wonder whom we can trust and believe. Jesus is the embodiment of God's truth—truth in the flesh. Listen to his words. Believe what he says and remain in his teaching, because when you do, you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, life can seem so confusing at times, and it can seem so difficult to find truth. We thank you for revealing truth to us in the person and work of your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to always turn to him for freedom. Amen.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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