John 8: 31–32
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.”
Scripture Insights
A disciple’s life purpose is to learn. We follow Jesus, learn from him, and gain intimate knowledge of the one who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. To know Christ is to have a close, personal relationship with him, which is more than having information about him.
But discipleship also calls us to unlearn some things. The Jews respond to Jesus’s offer by saying they are already free because they are Abraham’s descendants. They foolishly believe that their heritage gives them liberty. They are deceiving themselves because they were once enslaved in Egypt, and the Roman Empire oppresses them. Jesus—the Truth—was there, but they feel more comfortable deceiving themselves than accepting his offer of liberation from the power of sin.
True disciples release all other forms of security and cling to Jesus, the only way to the Father. In this information age, it is easy to need clarification about which truth to focus on. Therefore, we must decide to focus on Jesus—the Truth.
Today’s Prayer
Lord, teach us your ways, that we may walk with you. Help us to release all forms of self-deception and allow the truth of your word to liberate us from the power of sin.
Prayer Journal Reflections
Reflect on becoming Christlike disciples in the church in Canada and the United States.
—Samantha Chambo
Regional Educational Coordinator, USA/Canada
