John 8:31-36
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. If you haven’t read the Introduction to John’s Gospel, read it here.
This passage continues the story of Jesus attendance at the Festival of Shelters in Jerusalem. Today we’ll concentrate on a small part of a larger conversation between Jesus, the people in the crowd who have just come to believe in him, and the rest of those listening to him (including the religious leaders). Read John 8:31-36 imaging that you are one of the people who have just realized and believed that Jesus is the Messiah, sent from God the Father.
The New Living Translation of this passage renders Jesus’ words as, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.” But the original Greek gives an extra layer of meaning to the words “remain faithful.”
The Greek word for “remain” carries the idea of “placing oneself” into something experientially. Jesus tells these new believers that they will know and be freed by the truth when they place themselves into, or embody, his instruction. It’s not enough to give intellectual assent to Jesus’ identity and teachings, a true believer will become like Jesus.
And in becoming like Jesus, we are set free by the Truth himself.
How are you taking action on whatever you sense Jesus inviting you to do each day? Stop and contemplate this for a moment and then discuss it with Jesus.
How are you experiencing freedom recently? Do you sense that you are free right now? Talk to Jesus about this.
Read John 8:31-36 again paying close attention to Jesus’ words about being a “slave to sin.”
The thing about rebellion against God’s good and perfect way is that it numbs us and blinds us. We don’t even realize that we are in bondage to our sin, but in reality, we are. In and of ourselves we have no power to free ourselves from sin. We can adjust our behavior, but we can’t set ourselves free.
What do you think, or how do you feel about this?
Jesus alone has the power to free us from our bondage to rebellion. When we believe and embody his teachings, we become like him, and he is God’s Son. We become permanent members of the family of God because we have placed ourselves experientially in him.
Get quiet for a moment or two and contemplate what it means to place yourself in Jesus.
What is Jesus inviting you to do in response to this time of meditation?
What will you do about that?
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