"John 8:31-59
Be liberated by Jesus
Do you want to live a life of unquestionable freedom? Jesus is the great liberator. If Jesus ‘liberates you then you are really and unquestionably free’ (8:36, AMP).
This chapter in John’s Gospel revolves around the question, ‘Who is Jesus?’ (vv.12–59). Indeed, Jesus is asked that very question, ‘Who do you think you are?’ (v.53). His answer points to his unique relationship with his Father. It culminates with the extraordinary claim ‘before Abraham was born, I am!’ (v.58). This was exactly the same way that God had revealed himself to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14). Jesus uses language that only God could use. His opponents pick up stones to stone him for blasphemy (John 8:59).
Although Jesus’ relationship with his Father was unique, through Jesus we can all come to know God. The relationship brings freedom to your life. Jesus says, ‘If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed’ (v.36). But what does this freedom mean?
Jesus says that to know him is to know the truth, and that ‘the truth will set you free’ (v.32). In Judaism, the truth was the law; and the study of, and adherence to, the law made a person free. Jesus says, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples’ (v.31).
Christians are sometimes accused of being narrow-minded or anti-intellectual – as contrasted with those who call themselves ‘free thinkers’. Jesus says that, in fact, the opposite is the case. Following Jesus is the way of intellectual freedom and integrity.
Truth is revealed by God. Jesus is ‘the truth’ (14:6). He is God’s ultimate revelation. Knowing the truth is not about assenting to propositions, but about knowing a person. Knowing Jesus broadens your mind, increases your depth of insight and widens your scope of understanding.
This does not mean that we have all the answers but that we have a true framework of thinking. Scientific laws provide a framework that gives freedom to investigate in the physical realm. God’s revelation provides the framework that gives intellectual freedom to investigate in the spiritual realm. Belief leads to understanding.
The response to Jesus’ words were, ‘We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?’ (8:33). It would have been absurd to claim they had never been in political subjection – but the claim is that they had never lost their inward freedom of the soul.
But Jesus replied, ‘I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin’ (v.34). Without Jesus Christ, all of us are slaves to sin. But, ‘if the Son liberates you, then you are really and unquestionably free’ (v.36, AMP).
Freedom from guilt
Jesus sets you free from guilt. He died so that you could be forgiven and your guilt could be taken away.
Freedom from addiction
He sets you free from addiction – being ‘a slave to sin’ (v.34). On the cross the power of addiction was broken. Although you may still fall from time to time, the power of the addiction to sin is broken when Jesus sets you free. While some may receive complete freedom from a specific addiction when they come to Jesus, for others it may be a longer process.
Freedom from fear
Jesus sets you free from fear. He came so that ‘by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death – that is, the devil – and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death’ (Hebrews 2:14–15). Jesus says here, ‘I tell you the truth, whoever keeps my word will never see death’ (John 8:51).
Death is not the end for those whom Jesus has set free. Rather it is the gateway to heaven. When Jesus sets you free from the fear of death, he also sets you free potentially from all other fears.
Freedom to know God
Jesus sets you free to have a relationship with God like his own. Jesus is the supreme example of a person who is led by God. He says of himself, ‘I heard from God’ (v.40). But he also goes on to say, ‘Whoever belongs to God hears what God says’ (v.47). It is possible for us all to hear from God.
Jesus says, ‘I know him’ (v.55). He makes it possible for you to know God. Later he will say to his disciples, ‘Everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you’ (15:15).
Freedom to be yourself
Jesus sets you free to be your true self as God intended you to be. He sets you free intellectually, morally and emotionally.
Freedom to love
Jesus sets you free to love (the opposite of the self-centredness of sin). This is true freedom: ‘if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed’ (8:36).
Lord, thank you for the freedom that you bring to my life. Thank you that I can know you and hear your voice. Help me to walk in this relationship today, to get to know you better, to hear you and be led by you."
1. Indeed thank You for removing my chains, amazing grace! Hallelujah!
2. Thank You for giving the understanding and patience that I need.
3. Thank You for fellowship, dinner, and free night stay at Paragon. Thank You for blessings like these.
