The people didn’t understand, nor could they see. To Jews, Abraham was their father in common, and God in heaven was their heavenly Father. They didn’t really “know” God, though, did they? The people couldn’t wrap their minds around the fact that Jesus had met Abraham. They lived centuries apart after all. I wonder how it felt to be blinded and not know it?
Verse 32 is one of those iconic verses that many memorize but often forget the context. While Jesus is in the middle of a very heavy confrontation of teachable moments, he says, “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” He was speaking to those who actively listen to and trust him, and yet his crowd appeared to be on an entirely different page. This truth was and is hard to grasp. As believers, we can pray for guidance as we study these passages.
What Jesus teaches here is huge. We are no longer slaves to sin when the truth sets us free. As Jesus said, “ So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.” It doesn’t sound like the people of that day had thought about being captive to sin before. If they were familiar with the sacrificial system at all, they would know the proper sequence for seeking forgiveness for their sins at prescribed times of year by slaughtering certain animals and making other sacrificial offerings. Thankfully, Jesus’ own sacrifice puts an end to this system, for those who believe in Him are set free.
Did you notice anything familiar with what the people were saying? They were claiming an inheritance that wasn’t theirs. If they were truly children of Abraham, claiming God as their Father, they would have recognized Jesus. That was Jesus’ claim, and it makes total sense. We all know people today who claim to be Christian, but who don’t know what that means or are as disillusioned about God as the people encountering Jesus in our reading.
Jesus unashamedly calls them out when he says, “For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does.” Jesus says several insightful things about the devil’s manipulations. It’s quite frightening when we see examples of this playing out around the world. The devil schemes to cause division, confusion, jealousy, selfishness, greed, and distrust, to name a few examples.
The devil’s hold on us won’t last forever. Jesus has said it several times in different ways, but verse 51 says, “I tell you the truth, anyone who obeys my teaching will never die!” We know better than those who first heard Jesus speak these words. We know that death comes, but it is not final for those who believe. There is eternal life available with Jesus in the place where he’s going. Evil can’t exist there.
We need to hold on a little while, keeping that devil at bay with the help of the Holy Spirit. When we arm ourselves with the Word of God and ask the Spirit to guide our lives, we’re given a power that most people don’t have to combat the devil’s lies. That’s the power I want to tap into regularly. I feel sorry for the people who don’t know about this every present help!
Who needs to hear about Jesus’ saving and freeing power? Pray for them and look for openings to share with them how Jesus has changed your life. You’ve begun to experience the best freedom ever!
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, protect me from the evil one’s schemes. I feel like I am being crushed at times. My heart breaks for all the people who don’t know your life-sustaining power. They don’t realize you are the way, the truth, and the life. Open my eyes to see those who need to hear your voice and help me move forward on your behalf. We are captives no more. Thank you for my freedom! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
