John 8:31 31Therefore, Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Some who heard Jesus teach did believe in him. His next statement in the dialogue provides an important timeless truth for all who would put their faith in him. The statement is given in the form of a conditional sentence. The protasis is following by complex apodosis of three results. The crucial condition is abiding in Jesus’ word. Abide (meinēte) is an important word in John’s writing and has the sense of the commitment found in obedience and devotion. Word (logō) refers to Jesus’ teachings and is the same word used for “Word” in 1:1. Jesus, as the Word of God, teaches the truth. Those who accept his teachings as the truth align themselves with God’s truth. The assumption is that this remaining and abiding is more than intellectual assent but full alignment of one’s life, priorities, worldview, and behavior to the truth that Jesus reveals. In essence, to remain in Jesus’ word is to accept him as the Way, Truth, and Life.
The first outcome of believing in Jesus by accepting the claims he makes is being a true disciple. A disciple is a follower who learns from a teacher. Behind this word is the idea of accepting the claims of Jesus as the teacher of truth. Discipleship is more than sitting in a school room memorizing formulas, or sitting in the pew listening to the oratory of a preacher. It must be lived out every day in obedience to what Jesus taught and what is said about him and God’s kingdom in the whole Bible.
The second outcome of dwelling in Jesus’ word is knowing the truth. There are many claims to truth throughout history and in the world today. Some of these claims are moving in the right direction but are limited by human intellect. Jesus provides the greatest truth because he reveals God the Father and God’s plan and purpose for humanity. People search for truth but only get glimpses unless they turn to Jesus. Jesus uses the word know (gnōsesthe), not “guess” or “search” or “inquire.” We can know with conviction that Jesus is the truth. Faith leads to knowledge and conviction.
The third outcome of believing in Jesus and accepting the truth of his teachings is that this truth sets us free. Genuine freedom comes not from political forces or a certain type of government organization but in knowing Jesus. Nothing can hold us bound and enslaved spiritually and mentally if we put our trust in Jesus. Paul and Silas in the Philippian jail in Acts 16 is a good example. Although chained and behind locked doors, they were spiritually free and thankful, as shown by their singing and thankfulness. Nothing in this world can take away our freedom in Christ. Accepting this claim will depend on how connected we are to Jesus and how firm our faith in him is. Shakey or uncertain faith might lead to doubts and fears when oppression comes. Strengthening our connection and faith in Jesus will result in a stronger sense of freedom. Knowing Jesus and following his teachings will free us from addictions, mental abuse, and antagonistic spiritual forces.
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