(1) Structure
8:31 Then Jesus said to those Judeans who had believed him, “If you continue to follow my teaching, you are really my disciples 8:32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
a. v.33-39
a. v.33-39
The word "free" triggered the Judeans to claim that Abraham was their Father and God was their Father.
b. v.40-47
The second part focused on Jesus' teaching and sayings. They are the truth. If Judeans claim to be the children of Abrahm they should have followed Abraham and listened to Jesus v.40-41. They are not the children of God neither for they did not listen from Jesus, Whom God sent v.42-43. Lastly, from what they did they were more like the devil and therefore, they were the sons of the devil v.44-47.
(2) Who are the audience?
The audiences were "believers," but when Jesus asked them to follow His teaching to be His true disciples v.31 they wanted to kill him v.37. Why this big change? Why were they so offended when Jesus pointed out that they were not free, but a slave to sin?
8:34 Jesus answered them, “I tell you the solemn truth, everyone who practices sin is a slave of sin
Reflection: These "believers" never considered themselves as slaves to sin and in need of the release from sin by Jesus. They just agreed that Jesus was the Messiah/Savior, but not to them. Are we like that? Do we think Jesus is the Savior? Or Jesus is MY Savior?
Reflection: These "believers" never considered themselves as slaves to sin and in need of the release from sin by Jesus. They just agreed that Jesus was the Messiah/Savior, but not to them. Are we like that? Do we think Jesus is the Savior? Or Jesus is MY Savior?
Jesus said, "
everyone who practices sin is a slave of sin." In other words, they might practice sin, but they did not realize that they were slaves. Once we encounter sin there is no chance that sin will not master/control you. We think that we enjoy ourselves in sin, but we are actually slaves. Do we underestimate sin? Do we have control over sin? Or are we under the control of sin?
(3) True disciples are those who follow Jesus' teaching, including when Jesus pointed out that we are slaves to sin.
Reflection: Are we offended by Jesus Who pointed out that we are slaves to sin? Or do we accept whatever Jesus pointed out in our heart? When we read God's words we may experience times that the Bible points out our sin. Are we ready to face that?
Audrey
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