TRUTH BETWEEN TWO PROFOUND STATEMENTS

The apostle John, records some very interesting conversations of Jesus, in his gospel. They are not only deep and rich, but also, direct and unambiguous…many times comfortable. One such conversation, recorded in John 8:30-36, is our meditation today.
– “30 As He spoke these words, many believed in Him. 31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
– 33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?”
– 34 Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. 36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”

The LORD Jesus teaches profound things to His Jewish believers, in the passage above. He makes two very profound statements – “32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” “36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” – one, at the beginning, and second, at the end of this conversation…and in between, very profound and invaluable teaching.

I am fascinated by the directness of Jesus, and His unambiguous manner of approach. Jews are a “proud” lot. They pride they being “chosen,” and look down upon others – Samaritans are a good example. Jesus, the Son of God, the very God whom the Jews claim to worship, bursts their bubble in more than one way, in this small conversation. This is essential for us, to get a proper grip over, what God actually meant by being chosen.

Jesus teaches His topic by saying – “31…”If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Jesus is asking the Jews believers to abide in His words – His teachings. He then goes on to say, “When you do so…you will know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Jesus hits the very core of their presumption for their pride.

The response of the Jews who believed in Jesus is a confirmation to the same – “33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?” Their pride was hurt, and their ego brought to the fore. Sadly, they are speaking to whom their ancestor, king David said, “4 For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether.” – better still to read the whole of Psalm 139.

Jesus speaking further, plainly tells them their status, as seen by God Himself, whose chosen, they are – “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.” Simply said, chosen or not, all have sinned – at the beginning of John chapter 8, Jesus proves this point when the Jews brought a woman caught in adultery. 

Paul explains and expounds what Jesus said, quite clearly, in Romans chapters, 3, 4, 5 and 6 – “21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” – Romans 3:21-23. This settles the matter once and for all.

The final nail in the coffin is the conclusion of Jesus – “36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” The freedom is only in the Son, and the LORD Jesus Christ. It is never because “we are sons of Abraham,” chosen by God, special people, superior people…and the list can go on.

What Jesus is trying to tell His Jewish followers is this – all are sinners, and the way out of this evil is only through faith in the finished work of the LORD Jesus, and our obedience to all that Jesus taught, as a visible evidence for our redemption…even if someone is a Jew…the “Chosen People” and the descendants of Abraham. Paul writing in Romans 3:9-10, makes it very clear – “9 What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin. 10 As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one;”

There is much to learn for us too, my dear brothers and sisters – “32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” “36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” Even so the LORD help us to know the truth, and abide by it.