They did not understand that he was telling them about his Father.
So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me.
The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.”
Even as he spoke, many believed in him.
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:27-32
Many of us are familiar with the phrase: “And the truth will set you free.”
In fact, it is even a phrase commonly used in pop culture. Those of us who follow Christ, however, know that it is not a passing phrase to be used in courtroom dramas or social media arguments.
It is a life-changing reality that finds its truest basis and weight in the person of Jesus. Only those who know Christ (the Way, the Truth, and the Life) and believe in Him find their lives and souls set free from the bondage of sin and the Evil One.
But it is vitally important that we not dismiss the full context of Jesus’s teaching. It was not a standalone comment; it was actually the second part of His teaching.
Notice what He says before the promise that the truth will set us free: “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
In other words, it is our obedience to Christ’s teaching—our continued faithfulness to His word—that allows us to experience freedom in this life.
It is not simply knowing what Jesus said. It is continuing in His word each and every day that results in the freedom we so often talk about.
Many people know the truth. They’ve heard biblical teaching. They can recite verses and quote Scripture.
But freedom doesn’t come from information. It comes from transformation. And transformation only happens when we hold to His teaching day after day.
When we live out His commands—even the hardest ones—that’s when we begin to experience the full freedom Christ promised.
Freedom is a precious opportunity. May we hold to His teaching well.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for the truth that sets us free. Help me to fully experience the freedom You offer by holding faithfully to your word. May I live it well each day as Your disciple. Amen.