I am free indeed!

Introduction

Purpose of John’s gospel (John 20:30-31)

The world we live in tends to see truth as Pilate did, [“What is truth?”], especially when it comes to the proclamation of Jesus as LORD!

Illustration using the table

Why do you believe the Bible to be true?

Background previous to reading

John 8:31-32

John 8:31–32 ESV

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.”

Those who hold fast (abide) in the teachings of Christ are truly His disciples. This distinguishes who is for Him and who is against Him

Then, truth is known. What is truth? Jesus is who he says he is, the Son of God. On this knowing, one is set free from the spiritual bondage that once kept them in the spiritual darkness and death.

John 8:33

John 8:33 ESV

They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?”

Made this statement based on religious conviction they are the children of Abraham. Therefore, they are sons of God, a holy people, and God’s possession; and this was for them the test of being free.

John 8:34-38

John 8:34-38

John 8:34–38 ESV

Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you. I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father.”

Everyone who practice sin is a slave to sin (echoed by Paul and John)

Slaves do not have a permanent place in the family but a son does, forever. Based on this illustration, Jesus establishes the truth that only He can set them free.

Jesus acknowledge they are the children of Abraham based on national lineage. However, they try to kill him because they have no room (reject) for His word. Remember, His disciples hold fast to His teachings.

Saying what he has seen in the Father’s presence reflects back to John 1. He says what he has seen. They do what they have heard from their father. Speak from visible demonstration verses do what they have heard.

John 8:39-41

John 8:39–41 ESV

They answered him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing the works Abraham did, but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. You are doing the works your father did.” They said to him, “We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father—even God.”

They continue to claim Abraham to be their father but their actions are a reflection of another, unlike Abrahams.

The works of Abraham were a result of his belief/trust in God and His words. His belief was counted as righteous.

Jesus rendering a judgment on their status as children of God caused them to contend they are not children of adultery but of God. They repeat the Shema.

John 8:42-47

John 8:42-47

John 8:42–47 ESV

Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”

On the claim God is their Father, they would have loved Jesus because He came from God and remains present in their sight.

He did not come on His own accord (initiative) but he was sent, which shows unity between Godhead in purpose.

The reason why they cannot understand Jesus’ words is due to them not bearing to hear what is said. Instead they listen to their father, whom Jesus says is the devil (2 Co 4:4). Whereas Jesus and His disciples will is to do what the Father desires, their is to do the will of the devil

Whom Jesus identifies as a murderer from the beginning and one who does not stand in truth because not truth is in them (remember, he said they have no room for his word and cannot bear the truth)

When the devil lies, he speaks out his own character, which is lies because he is the father of lies.

Because I speak the truth you do not believe me. Jesus asks two questions to challenge their thinking. It essentially reveals the hardness of their hearts.

Clearly, whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason they do not hear is simple: they do not belong to God.

Conclusion

Do you abide in the teachings of Christ? (true disciples)

Is what you are listening to, truth? (testing the word)

Are you making room for His word? (maturity)

Do you love Jesus? (children of God)