I.
Jesus suggests three things await those who “continue in my word,” (1) they are truly Jesus’ disciples; (2) they will know the truth; and (3) they will be free.

Let’s start today by thinking about freedom.

II.
John 8:31-38 (New Revised Standard Version)

Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” They 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’?”

Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are descendants of Abraham; yet you look for an opportunity to kill me, because there is no place in you for my word. I declare what I have seen in the Father’s presence; as for you, you should do what you have heard from the Father.”

III.
Jesus’ statement about freedom gets some kickback from those “who had believed in him.” They claim to “have never been slaves to anyone.”

Really?

“After a long time the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned under their slavery, and cried out. Out of the slavery their cry for help rose up to God.” (Exodus 2:23)

“I have also heard the groaning of the Israelites whom the Egyptians are holding as slaves, and I have remembered my covenant. Say therefore to the Israelites, ‘I am the Lord, and I will free you from the burdens of the Egyptians and deliver you from slavery to them.” (Exodus 6:5-6)

And what of the nation being held captive by Babylon? Do we count that as “slavery”?

IV.
Why might they deny their absence of freedom in those circumstances?

And for that matter, what makes us often unable to see or unwilling to acknowledge the circumstances or choices that limit what we chose?

Take some time to see if you can think of anything that enslaves you?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}