Thoughts on the Gospel of John (58) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2023

And he who sent me is with me. The Father has not left me alone, for I always do those things that please him. As he spoke these words, many believed in him. Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed him, If you abide in my word, you are my disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
John 8:29-32.

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (58)
Reading John’s gospel, we are struck by the number of times that the Son of God mentions that the Father had sent Him. Jesus thus had a mission to fulfil that He on one occasion also called His “work” (ch. 17:4). Whatever people thought of Him, and however much they distanced themselves from Him, the Father had the greatest pleasure in all that His Son did and was with Him. Jesus’ sayings had an enormous effect on people, as “many” listeners sensed and believed. The Lord put them to the test: whoever was not merely nominally a follower of Him, but a true disciple, would show it by keeping the sayings of Jesus. It would not be momentary enthusiasm: he would adhere to it permanently and be subject to it. In present-day Christendom many see themselves as disciples of Jesus. But do we truly follow Him? Or do His words often make us feel uncomfortable, so that we deduce our own conception of what makes a Christian?

Let us take note that only those who “abide” in the Word of God will know the truth. First come faith and obedience, then the knowledge – not vice-versa!

Some imagine that they will be under duress if they submit to God’s truth, for they must then live as Jesus did. Was Jesus not free? Certainly! But it is the devil who brings people into bondage through his lies. And sin enslaves them. Therefore we need the liberating power of God’s truth.

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today’s reading: Isaiah 5:18-30 · Acts 22:12-21