Thoughts on the Gospel of John (59) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

They answered him, We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can you say, You will be made free? Jesus answered them, Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house for ever, but a son abides for ever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.
John 8:33-36.

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (59)
Jesus had told His Jewish listeners, "The truth will make you free". These were by no means flattering words; they presumed that those addressed were bondservants and enslaved. They were true words and touched a sore point. But His opponents would not admit that they were in bondage to any foreign power in their own land, as those God-fearing men, Ezra and Nehemiah had done (cf. Ezra 9:7; Nehemiah 9:36). The national, religious pride of their leaders had been offended. They were, of course, Abraham's seed, but their assertion that they had never been in bondage when they were still under Roman rule only proved their blindness.

If people will not concede the truth regarding their political situation, they will certainly not assess their inner condition before God correctly. Nor will smooth-talking help. The Lord pointed out their trouble: sin is man's chief problem, having enslaved him.

The Jews considered they had a privileged position among the nations: they were "in the house", as it were. But God would soon remove them from this position, since it was reserved "for ever" for those made free through the authority of His Son.

"You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:26). Sons are believers, who know both what freedom is and also the Father's love towards them.

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today's reading: Isaiah 13:1-22 · Acts 24:22-27