Thoughts for the Day

Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, ‘If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.’ They answered him, 'We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, "You will be made free"?'

Jesus answered them, "Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin.'

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

The game show is coming to a close, all but one contestant has been knocked out. The tension builds, and the music and the compere keep us waiting. Will the final person win the jackpot, or will they go home with nothing? We have all seen such climaxes to a programme, and can hardly bear to watch and listen as the host of the show says "It's the moment of truth!" and reveals whether the final question is correct or not! The dictionary says that the word 'truth' means 'real, genuine, or authentic'. However, we all know that even game shows get it wrong occasionally, and an answer judged correct can be judged false later.

A little later in John's Gospel Jesus claims to 'be the truth' (John 14.6). He is not saying he has the truth, or is speaking the truth. He is saying that ultimately he is the source of all truth, and the standard by which all things are to be judged as true or false. At his trial, Pilate asks "What is truth?" he will answer "Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice."

Jesus says we are slaves to sin. We cannot get free from it, unless we look to Him to confess our sin and ask His help, but also as a model for how we should live our life.

Lord Jesus Christ,
Who is the ultimate Truth,
may we look to You
to help us know what is truth.
Show us how to become free
from the continual ties of sin,
and in doing so help us to model
ourselves on You
and copy Your love for all people.
Amen.