The Gift of Freedom
What does it mean to be free? Does it mean the ability to choose our own destiny? Does it mean the right to pursue our personal goals without interference from an authority with which we do not agree (government, religion, etc.)? Is it, as I have often argued, the right to live faithfully according to conscience as long as we do not impose our views on others (thereby denying their freedom)? As you might guess, I think that last description gets us much closer in terms of personal freedoms in an increasingly pluralistic society of competing and irreconcilable convictions and worldviews. But that is not exactly what Jesus had in mind when he said, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” And I wonder if our response, if Jesus were to make the same assertion to us today, would be the same as theirs. “We . . . have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, ‘You will be made free’?” (John 8:31-32)
Again, what does it mean to be free? Free from what? Free for what? I can’t wait to discuss these and other vitally and urgent questions during our time together this week!
Between now and then, review the full scripture reading below. Also, watch the video with the above questions in mind.
John 8:31-36 Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, ‘If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; 32and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.’ 33They answered him, ‘We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, “You will be made free”?’ 34 Jesus answered them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. 35The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. 36So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.
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