“The truth will set you free” (John 8:32). This is what Jesus said . In fact, some people tend to use this statement out of context as they link it to our every day lives, while the Lord was actually speaking of a higher form of knowledge of the truth that sets free. My brother, my sister, let’s put this statement into context to understand it well: Jesus had just finished a speech at the temple where He showed differences between Himself and His listeners. “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins” (John 8:23–24). The result of Jesus’ message was that “even as he spoke, many believed in him” (verse 30). Then, in verse 31, Jesus begins to speak just to those who had believed and said “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples” (John 8:31). True disciple do not only accept Christ, but they are “really” followers of Christ and they “hold to” His Word. That means they will not only accept His teachings as truth, but they will also obey His teachings. Action is proof of faith (James 2:17). In other words, true disciples of Jesus believe that He speaks the truth about God and the Scriptures. They also know that He is who He claims to be. Back in verse 25, the people asked Jesus who He was, and He responded, “Just what I have been telling you from the beginning.” Then verse 32 begins with, “Then you will know the truth.” My friend, the word “YOU” here refers to those who are true disciples of Jesus, not those who are not. True disciples will know the truth. More than that, their eyes are opened to a greater understanding of the truth (1 John 5:20). The truth Jesus’ disciples receive brings freedom. Jesus continues, “And the truth will set you free” (verse 32). You see, the freedom Jesus offers is a spiritual freedom from the bondage of sin, that is, the release from our habitual lawlessness. That’s why, after being set free from the bondage of sin, “a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever” (verse 35). In other words, as long as you are slave to sin, you have not really entered the family of God, because true disciples of Jesus would know the truth of their condition and the truth about Christ, and Jesus would set them free. Believers would be freed from their bondage and brought into the family of God. Jesus is the Truth (John 14:6). Knowing the Truth will set us free from sin, free from condemnation, and free from death (Romans 6:22; 8:1–2). Jesus came to proclaim liberty to the captives (Luke 4:18). Have you really heard His call, and responded to it by determining to change? Stay blessed in Jesus’ name. [facebook] [retweet]