VIII.
Before you read this week’s Scripture again, consider Jesus’s remark to the those who “… had believed in him…” – “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples ….”
What does that open for you?
IX.
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.”
X.
What do you think of when you are encouraged by Jesus to continue in his word?
- Foundation construction – Matthew 7:24-27
- How to treat others – Matthew 7:12
- Picking Great Commandments – Matthew 22:34-40
- A new commandment – John 13:34-35
- A Farmer who scatters seeds unconcerned where they will land – Matthew 13:1-8
- A waiting and welcoming father, who has arms open for both his sons – Luke 15:11-32
- A Samaritan who cares for an unnamed man who is robbed and beaten – Luke 10:25-37
- A disciple making agenda – Matthew 28:19-20
- Handling doubts and questions – Mark 9:24
Of course, there are many other words (and actions) of Jesus you might actualize in your life.
Focus on some word of Jesus and consider what you can do today to “continue” in that word.
At the end of the day, return to that word and as you consider the events of the day, can you see where your action or actions continued in those words of Jesus?
charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Desu ibi est}