The Passage
John 8:31-38
31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33 They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?”
34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 37 I know that you are offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you. 38 I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father.”
Word Work
Underline or highlight keywords or phrases in the Bible passage. Use a pen or highlighter to mark new discoveries from the text.
Word Thoughts
Jesus promises a freedom that no one else can give based on truth that he alone possesses. As the Messiah, he has come to set prisoners free (Luke 4:16–21; Isa. 61:1–3). True freedom can be found only in the “right paternity”: not everyone who claims Abraham as their father has God as their Father, “for not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel” (Rom. 9:6). None can claim God as their Father who won’t have his Son as their Savior.
Word Reflection
- What stood out?
- What do you need freedom from? Write it down and ask God to free you!
- Describe what it means to be enslaved to sin. List some examples.
End in Prayer
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