In John 8, Jesus is having a conversation with Jews about an oft-discussed subject, relationship. The people are resting on their relationship to Abraham, claiming that their connection to Abraham, in itself, makes them holy, free and chosen. The Jews of Jesus' time claimed that this relationship to the patriarch, Abraham, was a 'get out of jail free' card that gave them claim to connection with God. Jesus debunks this misconception quickly when He speaks about truth, relationship and freedom. Here's what Jesus says:
1. Jesus says truth is freeing. "know the truth and the truth will set you free (v:32)!" We have lots of issues with truth these days. Last week a CEO convinced 4 other people that his certainty (feeling/knowledge) about the safety of a deep-water submersible was more "true" than empirical testing of carbon-fiber as a proper material for constructing such a vessel. His false information meant death for him and the 4 other passengers that died in what was called a catastrophic implosion. Truth can set you free but falseness can be deadly. Jesus said, "Don't rely on your perceived relationship with Abraham ... you are not following the truth of his witness!"
2. Jesus says your "familial" relationship is important to life. He spoke to believers reminding them to "remain true to His teachings (v:31)." Jesus tells the followers to follow Him, his teachings and His "true" relationship to the Father. He continues to tell those who are trying to rationalize their status, "you are children of your father the devil (v:44)." He then reminds them, and us, of a sign of sonship ... "If God were your Father, you would love me (v:42)." Are you in a loving relationship with Jesus? Do you express your love by placing Jesus as your #1 priority?
3. Jesus says that He is the source of true freedom. "He whom the Son sets free is free indeed (v:36)." Are we free? As we celebrate freedom and America's birthday, let us remember the source of true freedom ... Jesus.
I wonder if Jesus walked down "main street America" and asked, "Are you free?" Many would respond, "Of course ... we live in America!" I think Jesus would reply, "Why are you relying on your relationship as a US citizen as your source of real freedom," just as He cautioned Jews not to rely on their Abrahamic roots as freedom. Truth, relationship and Jesus are our sources of freedom. And, while you won't hear this in most schools, our nation was built on these foundations. Let's hold fast to the things that are the underpinning and anchors of our freedom! Randy
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