Free or slave? When the Jewish believers heard these words, they shouted out- we have never been a slave to anyone- we are free. You and I here in the United States believe in Freedom- that all men are created equal and are free to live in this country in the pursuit of happiness. We believe the there is a cost for our freedom. There are responsibilities that come with freedom- in a country, in our lives, and in our faith. Jesus said, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” But there was an if statement before the free statement. “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.” Are you truly free
We are free citizens of the United States, we aren’t slaves to someone else. Are you sure? Are you sure you aren’t a slave to someone or something else? Are you controlled or dominated by anything in your life? Do you have habits, or addictions that enslave you? In the Gospel of John there is passage that makes an explicit reference to freedom, but this passage is of special significance, because it contrasts the external concept of freedom. We are free citizens of the United States; externally. Internally it is through a person’s faith- the work of Jesus in our salvation that will make us free. According to John 8:31-36 what true freedom is.
Earlier as Jesus was speaking the Pharisees had challenged Him. They wanted to know by what authority He could speak as He did. He told them that He was from God and that He was His own witness to the truth. Verse 30 says, “30 Even as he spoke, many believed in Him.” As Jesus spoke, many of the Jewish people believed in Him. They heard Him talk about being the light of the world, and that they really didn’t know Him or His Father. Then in verse 31 Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.” If they believe Him and followed His teaching, they would be His disciples.
For those that will take that step of becoming Jesus’ disciple He said in verse 32, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” When we worship Him exclusively, serve others like He did and point people to Him- we will know the truth- and that truth will set us free. Not the kind of freedom the world is talking about, but true freedom from the inside out. Freedom we
Anyone who chooses to be Jesus’ disciple will know the truth. Truth isn’t relative to the situation; the truth of God is absolute. It is a truth that never changes. The world around us changes, people change, seasons change- but the truth of God NEVER changes. The writer of Hebrews said, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8. And Jesus said in Matthew 24:35, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”
We can believe and count on Jesus- He never changes, and He is the truth, so the Truth never changes either.
In verse 33 Jesus statement about freedom really bothered the Jews that were listening, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” They didn’t like to be referred to as slaves; they didn’t see the truth that Jesus was sharing with them. They believed that their genetics and genealogies in being related to Abraham was what was going to get them into heaven. When I read this passage I always think of the Reverend Billy Graham sharing that just because we go to church, just because our parents are believers, just because we live in MN or in the country or in the Bible Belt, doesn’t make us a follower of Jesus Christ, any more than being in the garage makes you a car. Jesus desires that they turn to God with their hearts- that they truly know and believe in Him. When we commit to follow and obey Him, then we are His disciples.
Jesus goes on to say, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
A slave to sin indicates a person is obligated to follow the will of sin; a person has no power to leave the "master" of sin on his or her own. We are born with a sinful nature- we can’t do anything about that on our own. No number of good deeds, family pedigree, church going will change the sin nature we are born with. Only Jesus death and resurrection changed that part of humankind. We are not only a slave by Adam’s sin, but we are slaves to sin by choosing to sin. People are slaves to sin both through their fallen human nature and through their actions.
To experience true freedom, we must recognize that we are sinners in need of His saving grace. Our hearts and the way we look at the world changes in major way when we become Jesus follower. Following Jesus- really following Jesus will change your life. It’s not a decision for the faint of heart- it is a commitment to put Jesus first place in your hearts, your mind, your strength and your soul.
God is faithful! God is our Father- He will fight for us. He said we can come boldly to the throne of grace and seek Him. When we obey and follow Him- we are free- truly Free!
Do you want to be truly FREE?
Jesus didn’t make this difficult. This isn’t rocket science- pure and simple really- Jesus family is inclusive- everyone is invited- the choice is yours. Do you want to be free or do you want to live the life of a slave? It’s your choice. Make it count! (it will change your life!)
