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“Also you will know the Truth,1 and the Truth will set you [Jews] free.”2
| 1 | You will know the Truth: Or, TCN: find out the truth; BAS: have knowledge of what is true; MOF: understand the truth. [John 17:17] The “truth” would include the whole body of Jesus’ teachings as found in the Gospels. |
| 2 | The Truth will set you [Jews] free: Jesus is speaking directly to Jews who are enslaved to those sins under the Law of Moses. Compare Galatians 5:1. [Luke 4:18; Romans 6:14, 22; Hebrews 2:15; James 1:25] This “freedom” is not absolute – that is free to believe and do anything – for the disciple of Christ is also his slave and must obey him. Research the word slave in Paul’s epistles. |
Dear Friends of the Nazarene,
We choose John 8:32 as the theme verse of chapter eight – Truth Will Set You Free. Many versions begin with the story of the adulterous woman, however it is now understood that these verses were not original to the Gospel of John. [1-11] The Nazarene Master proclaims that he is the light of the world. [12-20] He quotes Deuteronomy 19:15 to prove that there are two witnesses to his truthfulness – the Father and himself. Jesus tells his Jewish opposers, “I am from above.” [21-30] He says that he once lived alongside of God and has been taught by his Father.
Christ taught those Jews, “The truth will set you free.” [31-41] He said that “genuine disciples” will “remain in my Word.” Jesus charges those Jews as being of their Father the Devil who is the father of the lie. [42-47] The Jewish religious hierarchy charges Jesus with demonism. [48-59] Jesus states that Abraham and known and experienced Christ in his pre-human pre-existence. The Jews charge that Jesus is not even fifty years old so how could he know Abraham? Jesus reveals that he existed before Abraham came into existence.
Abba our Father bless those who “remain in his Word.”
[6 December 2002]
Disciples are learners. Their object is to know the truth. The way to know the truth is to obey the truth.
