John 8:31-36
“Notice what you notice.” Today I’m still confused, but less so and for a different reason. We left yesterday with some from the crowd believing in Jesus. Today begins with Jesus speaking to those Jews who had believed in Him: If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. (vv. 31b-32). So Jesus has gone to “teaching mode” and is now sharing with a friendly crowd. However, that friendly crowd turns mildly hostile, arguing that they have never been enslaved, how can He make them free?? In the next few days we will find them increasingly arguing with Jesus about their Abrahamic lineage, such that their antagonism toward Him rises substantially.
But look, folks, at what started it all. PRIDE!! The Jews: “We are from Abraham” (we are “the chosen ones”) and “we have never been enslaved” (so the Romans are only an “occupying force”, they are not our masters). Their pride erupted at one phrase in Jesus’ teaching and it all went downhill.
Let’s be careful, folks, that our pride not get in the way of Jesus’ lifting us into His glory!!
Slava Bohu!
I think it is really easy to be blind to the things that enslave us … and claim we have never been enslaved! Ha! What a lie.