LEARNING DAILY

John 8:34-36, Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave to sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free forever.”

Today’s page of the blog is a continuation of the discussion Jesus had with the Pharisees. The verses above were in response to questioning what He meant about them being in bondage and only those who know the truth will be set free (verse 32). The Pharisees pointed out to Jesus that they were descendents of Abraham and had never been in bondage to anyone. Jesus responded that obedience to Him was true freedom.

In this period of time, freedom for the Jews and others taken captive in warfare was almost impossible to be gained. During this time of Roman peace, Rome was not involved in much warfare and new slaves were not obtained. Speaking to what all would understand, Jesus said that those who would choose to make Him master of their life would then be able to find true freedom.

What does this mean to people today? What is the teaching we need to grasp? Every person has a choice, and each person must answer this question. Who will I allow to exercise authority over you? Jesus is pointing out that either sin will exercise authority or an individual or He would. Jesus said that sin is following darkness instead of His light. Sin is choosing worldly stuff” over heavenly “stuff”. It is important to understand what being a slave to sin means. It is continuing to do sinful things; it is persistent sin. Believers are going to sin, but sin is not a habit for them. Jesus said, “He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness,but have the light of life” (John 8:12). Knowing and accepting Him as one’s Savior “knows the truth and the truth sets them free” (John 8:31-32). He rescues a person from a habitual life of sin and spiritual slavery. It is through Him that the saved person is able to walk a narrow way where He begins to cleanse and change him/her to be like Him. Remember this is a process!

Hebrew scholar, Eli Lizorkin-Eyzenberg, explains that slavery was different in this time period than what we know of slavery that occurred in the United States. Slaves were considered employees; they lived within the master’s house. But they were never a part of the master’s family. Eventually, they would be dismissed or gain their freedom; only the actual children were allowed to remain or live in the home. “And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever.” Jesus was letting the “descendants of Abraham” know they are not spiritually a part of God’s family because they do not “abide in Him” and like a “slave” they will eventually be cast out and not be allowed to stay in His house.

Do you see what Jesus has said to the Pharisees? He has shown them the difference between a household servant, who is not a member of the family, and the son who is and always has access to his father. It is about those who know “about” God and those who have come to know Him as their Savior and their Lord. Those who know Jesus Christ in this way, walk on the narrow way in obedience to Him and His Word. When we fail, we tell Him we have failed and thank Him for His forgiveness and His faithfulness to cleanse us of all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). That is true freedom!

The question is the one asked earlier. Who will I (you) allow to exercise authority over me (you)?