Wednesday 22 July 2026
- Bible Book:
- John
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." (vs 34-36)
Background
Looking back in John's Gospel, there is an ebb and flow in people’s response to Jesus’ teaching. Sometimes people believe in him and even try to make him king by force (John 6:15) and in John 7:41 some say "He is the Messiah."
Yet alongside these affirmations there is disbelief: in Capernaum many disciples deserted Jesus (John 6:66) and many questioned how he could be the Christ because he came from Galilee (John 7:52). This disbelief is malignant; Jesus’ life is under threat.
Perhaps there is an ebb and flow of belief in each human. Sometimes we believe more, sometimes less. Jesus’ promise is freedom, faith in him leads to a permanent place in God’s family. This comes through discipleship which Jesus puts simply in verse 31 "If you continue in my word." In other translations it is "If you hold to my teaching." Discipleship isn’t about a single action, a confession of faith, a baptism or confirmation. Discipleship doesn’t stand still. It continues to listen, to learn and to converse. In discipleship there is true freedom: from fear, from self, from others’ opinions and from sin. Discipleship – discipline – freedom.
Conduct is important and Jesus points this out in forceful terms. Having referred back to Moses, those debating with Jesus switch to Abraham. This is significant: God’s promise of descendants to Abraham brought the Jewish nation into being (Genesis 22:17-18). In verses 35-36 those listening to Jesus would have recognised the continued reference to Genesis 17:20-21 and the contrast between Ishmael and Isaac. Then Jesus uses the word ‘son’ again to show how his teaching is superior to what is currently on offer. Moreover, Jesus is challenging the assumption that inheritance is enough. He is saying to be the children of Abraham does not automatically confer membership of God’s family. Discipleship does.
To Ponder:
- How can you continue in Jesus’ teaching?
- What makes you feel ‘unfree’?
Prayer
Word of God –
Help me not to stop
Help me to keep learning
Help me to keep holding on
To your freedom. Amen
Bible notes author: Dr Tom Lunt
Dr Tom Lunt is a Methodist local preacher, prison chaplain and lecturer. He lives with his wife Liz in East Sussex.