10.25.24 - (John 8:31-32)

Introduction

Hello Dwell, this is Kenneth.

[1 second pause]

Today is Friday, October 25th. Thanks for joining us for today's Dwell Kids Daily!

[2 seconds of silence]

For the next few minutes, I invite you to join me as we look to our Great King by opening our hearts to hear from Him through the words of the Bible.

[2 seconds of silence]

Silence

As we begin, let us remember that God calls His people, young and old, to be still and know that He is God. Let's take a few seconds to clear our minds, so that we can hear him better.

[5 seconds of silence]

Opening Prayer

(Friday)

Loving Lord, we delight in your counsel. Today, help our hearts be glad as we receive your words.

[3 seconds of silence]

Passage

Today our passage is from the eighth chapter of John’s gospel account, verses 31 and 32:

English Standard Version (Chapter 8)

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

[3 seconds of silence]

Exhortation

The word disciple is related to the word discipline. A disciple is someone who is becoming disciplined in a certain way. If you’re familiar with Star Wars, a Jedi Padawan is someone who is learning the disciplines of the Jedi. Anakin is a disciple of Obi Wan Kenobi and the other Jedi Masters. He’s learning the way. Or maybe you’ve taken piano lessons. You probably had an instructor who was helping you become a better piano player. You start with the basics, and then you move into more complex exercises and music theory.

A disciple needs a teacher. A disciple is being changed into something they weren’t. In fact, a disciple is becoming more like their teacher.

Jesus says that if you abide in his word, you are truly his disciple. Jesus is the teacher, and the disciples are his students. A disciple must obey their teacher, which means they must listen to him. Jesus’ disciples must know his teachings. The word “abide” means to dwell, to stay or remain, to live. Where do Jesus’ disciples dwell? In his word. You cannot be Jesus’ disciple if you do not know what he teaches. And if you do not know what he teaches you will not become like him. Anyone can say the are Jesus’ disciple, but that doesn’t mean they are. You’ll know a true disciple of Jesus, when you find someone who listens to his words, his teaching, and then does what he says.

Jesus is a trustworthy teacher, in fact he’s the most trustworthy teacher there is. He will always lead his disciples in the right way. If you dwell on his word, and learn his ways, you will know the truth. And the truth does not enslave people, truth doesn’t stop you from growing. No, it sets you free. Free from the lies of the evil one, free to grow into the person God is calling you to be.

Call to Action: Let’s take a few seconds to reflect on how simple and beautiful Jesus’ words are here. He loves us, he wants us to know him, and he wants us to be free.

[7 seconds of silence]

Closing Prayer

Let’s pray together.

[3 seconds of silence]

Father in heaven, help us to become more like your Son, Jesus. Help us to be true disciples. Let your Holy Spirit be with us and guide us as we learn from Jesus, as we listen to his words, and walk in his ways. Keep us from temptation, and deliver us from evil. Help us know the truth, and lead us into a life of freedom and flourishing. We ask this in Jesus’ wonderful name. Amen.

Outro

"It's been great to be with you today."

Tomorrow, we'll be in Matthew chapter 28. Until then, go in peace, and let the word of King Jesus dwell in you richly.

[2 seconds of silence]

Alternate Outro (Record Every Time)

Now, go in peace, and let the word of King Jesus dwell in you richly.