so Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “if you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” [john 8:31-32]
freedom is not a thing, or a possession, or a state of mind – it is a person – Jesus.
notice and meditate on these words of Jesus, the voice of God speaking to you and i:
1) it is the truth that sets you free. what is the truth? it is a person – Jesus.
“i am the way, the truth, and the life …” – Jesus [john 14:6]
2) it is knowing the truth that sets you free. what and who are we to know? we are to know Jesus and his words. his words tell a story that has utterly bad news and over-the-top amazing good news. bad news: you and i are sin-full, full of sin and separated from God and under judgment for our sin. good news: Jesus is God (the great I AM) and came to free us from our sin with his life, death, and resurrection.
i told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I AM he – you will die in your sins.” [john 8:24]
3) it is abiding in his word, that proves we are his disciple (follower) and it is in abiding we know that he is the truth and learn that he alone (as the truth) sets us free.
everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. whoever abides in the teaching – has both the Father and the Son. [2 john 9]
today, abide in the Truth – in Jesus and his words – and you will taste freedom.
how? begin now by asking the Father to remind you he is with you. read again, his words in this short writing and ask him to speak clearly which words he wants you to focus on throughout this day? what truth, what action, what belief is he asking you to embrace and “abide” in today?
come Lord Jesus! thank you for abiding in us by your work – not ours. help us believe you are with us, help us abide in your word, and from this abiding, let us walk in freedom today!
~ john ryan