They answered Him, "We be Abraham’s seed and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, "Ye shall be made free?"
Jesus answered them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever commits sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abides not in the house for ever: but the Son abides ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; but ye seek to kill Me, because My word hath no place in you." (John 8:30-37)
Just prior to this, Jesus had been teaching the people in the temple, Intentionally, the scribes and Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery, tempting Jesus so that they might have reason to accuse Him. We know what happens next -- Jesus stoops down with His finger and writes on the ground. Jesus then says, "he that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." Again, Jesus stoops down and writes on the ground. Beginning at the eldest even unto the last, each of the accusers walks away "being convicted by their own conscience." (John 8:9)
When Jesus looks up, there are no accusers left. Jesus asks the woman, "Where are those thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee?" She said, "No man, Lord." And Jesus then said unto the woman, " Neither do I condemn thee: go and sin no more." (John 8:10-11; John 3:17; John 5:14)
You see, Jesus did not come into the world to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved. How? Because he/she that believes in Jesus is not condemned, but he/she that believes not is condemned already -- "because he/she hath not believed in the Name of the only begotten Son of God." (John 3:17-18; Luke 19:30; I John 3:16; I John 4:14; Mark 16:16; John 5:24)
What happens when Jesus no longer condemns us? We have passed from a death sentence into eternal life. But does that mean we stop there? Of course not. This is the time when we should desire to delve into the meat -- the spiritual meat of His Word. Like Saul -- when the risen Jesus instructed Saul on the road to Damascus to see Ananias. Therein, Saul was water baptized, willingly receiving the meat that strengthened him.
"Verily, verily, I say unto you -- he that hears My word, and believes on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation but unto life." (John 5:24)
In other words, we need to understand that we shall die in our sins -- if we believe not that Jesus is He. For additional clarity, let me again repeat Jesus' words in John 8:24 -- "I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am He, ye shall die in your sins." (John 8:24)
Much needed clarity herein ... but I digress somewhat.
Jesus then begins to tell those who still want to listen -- that He Jesus -- is the Light of the world. That those who follow Him will never walk in darkness; but shall have the Light of life. The same Light of life that lights up every one who enters into the world.
Conversely, the Pharisees repeatedly questioned Jesus' authority -- as these did often. We see this when the Pharisees asked Jesus, "Where is Thy Father?" Jesus responds, saying. "Ye neither know Me, nor My Father. if ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also." (John 8:19)
In another place, Jesus shares with His disciples, "I and My Father are One!" and therefore, "if ye have seen Me, ye have seen the Father and know Him." (John 14:6-12)
Jesus goes on to tell the Pharisees (who clearly did not understand what Jesus was saying) -- that when ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father hath taught Me, I speak these things. And He that sent Me is with Me; the Father hath not left Me alone; for I do always these things that please Him." (John 8:29)
So what happens next? As expected, some people did believe in Jesus, choosing to take up His cross and follow HIm. Some did accept that Jesus has the words of life! And like Peter, many determined within their own hearts -- Lord, where can we go? You alone have the words of life!
How right Peter was ... for it is in this revelation that we make room in our hearts for the Word of the Lord -- or as Jesus stated, "If ye continue in My word, then are ye My disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free!" (John 8:31-32)
Therefore, if the Son has made you free, ye are free indeed. And thus, no one can take away the freedom which only Jesus -- the King of kings and Lord of lords - can give!
Why? Because Jesus states, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes unto the Father but by Me!" (John 14:6) Don't miss these simple gospel truths this day! For Jesus is still calling to those whose hearts who desire to abide in Him.
And His truth will always set us free!
Stand in the offering plate.
