John 8-9.20.22

SCRIPTURE: 

John 8:31 

"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."  

OBSERVATION: 

Jesus spoke about God's true children; the ones who stay close to Him, and who receive the nourishment and life that is freely offered through Him.   

Jesus told the Jews, "Before Abraham was, I am."   Even though that was seemingly impossible since Jesus came after Abraham had already died, but by saying this, Jesus was claiming to have timeless existence.  This is why Jesus is able to offer eternal life to all who believe the truth, because He is the incarnate Son of God, the Word, God Himself Who became flesh and took up residence among us.  (John 1:14).

UNDERSTANDING: 

The only way for us to be able to lead truly good lives is by staying closely connected to Jesus, especially since He is the perfect standard of what is right.  When we turn away and reject Him and His ways, we are rejecting the ONLY ONE Who is able to rescue us from our sins.  Jesus taught that everyone who sins is a slave to sin, and a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever!  Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; but whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. Whoever belongs to God hears what God says.    

LIFE APPLICATION: 

I pray I will value the truth and persistently hold onto it.  I pray as I abide in Jesus that my life will flourish and bear much fruit for the glory and honor of God.  Thank You Lord for revealing Your truth to me, and for setting me free!   I am free indeed!

-Robin Orefice