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. The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there for ever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are descendants of Abraham; yet you look for an opportunity to kill me, because there is no place in you for my word. I declare what I have seen in the Father’s presence; as for you, you should do what you have heard from the Father.’

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

After World War II there was a lot of emphasis put on learning! Members of the Armed Forces were offered places at College to train as teachers for instance. However, by the early seventies it was still odd for adults to go back to full time education. I was the only adult in a class of 16-17 year olds at the local Technical College when I started to study for my A level exams, and it was the same at University. Adults traditionally took evening classes after work, even though full grants were available at the time, and a number of Colleges advertised the benefits of education using the slogan "The truth will set you free". (I wonder if they knew where this came from?).

In yesterday's 'Thoughts' we saw Jesus informing his listeners in the Temple that he was not of this world. As we might guess some people drifted away leaving a small group who believed in his words. But he continued to challenge them. If they are really his disciples they will not only believe his words but will obey his teaching. Discipleship is not just about faith, it's about faith and action! Inevitably those listening take Jesus' words about freedom in the wrong way - they are not slaves, they say.

Jesus points out that that they are "slaves to sin". Universities can offer academic truth, but Jesus offers spiritual truth. He offers us freedom to see what is really important in our life by measuring it against God's love for us. He offers us freedom from constantly being held captive to sin, and so he offers us freedom from fear. But ultimately he offers offers us real freedom as God's children with a place assured with his Heavenly Father.

Lord Jesus Christ,
may we take Your words to heart,
and seek the freedom You offer.
May we look again at our life
and make changes that reflect
the promises we made at our baptism.
May we confess our everlasting
attachment to our many sins.
But may we feel assured of the promises
You offer,
and look forward to the future
without fear.
Amen.