“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 8:31-32

When accusations are fired at him, now with words, soon with nails, Jesus responds bluntly. His truth penetrates sin-soaked layers of deceit in devilish family likeness: stubborn presuppositions, idolatrous ‘orthodoxy’, willful deafness, addiction to power.

Jesus maintains that truth and, through it, freedom are not found in blessed genes and ancestry. They cannot be secured through sheer birthright and religious adherence. Truth comes through him. Genuine disciples not only assent to his words but walk in the light of his teaching, recognizing that it comes from the Father.

In the harshest of public exchanges is the merciful invitation to step into the freedom of living the Father’s way through him alone. He is the truth.

Closing Prayer

Holy Spirit, help me to stand firm in the teachings of Jesus and live in freedom only he can give—no matter what are my circumstances (edited from Encounter with God).