John…on Love
We have grandkids who are bright AND can and will “argue with a fence post” as my grandpa used to say. No matter what is said, even for their own good, their quick minds find a “Yeah, but…” in every expressed thought and word. Sometimes the debate is healthy and good, and we smile through it all. Sometimes, however, the wiser parents and grandparents have to end the silly debates with “Just do it because I said so!”
John retells Jesus’ debate with the Jews who think they know it all and cannot figure out that Jesus comes from God, takes His orders from God, IS God and has their best interest at heart. He wants to set them free! The Jews response? “Yeah, but….”
There is so much to think about in the following passage, that we are going to take this on one bite at a time. Here is how Jesus begins with Truth-telling…
John 8, The Message
If the Son Sets You Free
31-32 Then Jesus turned to the Jews who had claimed to believe in him. “If you stick with this, living out what I tell you, you are my disciples for sure. Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you.”
33 Surprised, they said, “But we’re descendants of Abraham. We’ve never been slaves to anyone. How can you say, ‘The truth will free you’?”
You have “never been salves to anyone”? Really, Jews? Think back…
Jesus explains that Truth is not only a state of mind, a belief system with words and commands. It is “living it out”. It is experiencing Truth as a relationship with Jesus, the Son sent by the Father…God. Knowing Truth as the Person of Jesus Christ and living it out loud with Him in control, so to speak, sets us free. We are free to come to God, the Father, love God with all our heart, mind and soul. Free to be who HE created us to be. Free to follow Jesus with all that is within us. Free to be loved unconditionally. Free to talk and walk with Jesus EVERY day. Free to tap into heavenly wisdom, insight and understanding when we need it most. Free to call on His Name about everything, anytime, day or night.
“Stick with Me”, says Jesus, the Person of Truth and the Truth will free you from the bondage that sin that holds us back, entangles us with world stuff, impairs our focus on the God of Creation. As the Father tells the Son, the Son tells us. “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. These powerful words are expressed in this order to let us know there is a progression to our relationship…I am the WAY to Truth. Believe and Commit to living the TRUTH. Then we will experience the abundant LIFE, in Jesus in a loving relationship, eager to follow Him, FREE of the old life of sin,
Dear Heavenly Father, We are a dull people. Thank you for your words that remind us of the pure freedom we have when we are in a responsive, loving, committed relationship with You! I love you with all my heart, mind and soul. Thank you for loving me, just as I am, while shaping me to be more of what You intended for me. I believe. I am free. In Jesus Name, Amen
