Today's Scripture
TODAY’S READING SCHEDULE: Ezekiel 1-2; John 8:28-59
Fully Obeying – John 8:31-47
31 Jesus said to the Jews who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teaching. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
33 They responded, “We are Abraham’s children; we’ve never been anyone’s slaves. How can you say that we will be set free?”
34 Jesus answered, “I assure you that everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 A slave isn’t a permanent member of the household, but a son is. 36 Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you really will be free. 37 I know that you are Abraham’s children, yet you want to kill me because you don’t welcome my teaching. 38 I’m telling you what I’ve seen when I am with the Father, but you are doing what you’ve heard from your father.”
39 They replied, “Our father is Abraham.”
Jesus responded, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would do Abraham’s works. 40 Instead, you want to kill me, though I am the one who has spoken the truth I heard from God. Abraham didn’t do this. 41 You are doing your father’s works.”
They said, “Our ancestry isn’t in question! The only Father we have is God!”
42 Jesus replied, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God. Here I am. I haven’t come on my own. God sent me. 43 Why don’t you understand what I’m saying? It’s because you can’t really hear my words. 44 Your father is the devil. You are his children, and you want to do what your father wants. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has never stood for the truth, because there’s no truth in him. Whenever that liar speaks, he speaks according to his own nature, because he’s a liar and the father of liars. 45 Because I speak the truth, you don’t believe me. 46 Who among you can show I’m guilty of sin? Since I speak the truth, why don’t you believe me? 47 God’s children listen to God’s words. You don’t listen to me because you aren’t God’s children.”
Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on, don’t sin anymore.”
What does this passage mean to me/us?
Are we truly set free from all sins?
When Jesus shared the truth with the Israelites, the ones who heard this truth became offended. Although their practice of the law didn’t set them free, they felt upholding their customs made them free.
It is ironic to see how a group of people, who strived to live as children of God through practices of generations, became so offended when Jesus presented the ultimate way to fulfill their goal.
In the same way, we need to ask if we truly believe in the truth that sets us free. Does our practice reflect our desire to follow the truth? Did we create a practice that pulls us away from the truth? Are we faithful to the teaching of our Lord? Are we disciples?
Prayer
Lord, reveal your truth in our lives. Help us to follow you ways. In Christ name we pray, Amen.
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