Truth, Sin and Freedom
Truth, Sin and Freedom
Over the last few meditations, we’ve spent time wondering about: the story of God and his intention toward his creation, Jesus as Emmanuel, and Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5 about living in his new kingdom. Today, we will ponder together and read Jesus’ teaching about truth, sin and freedom.
Find a place where you can be still… while your baby is being fed, napping or playing quietly.
Take a moment and bring your awareness to your body. Your body carries your feelings so faithfully – So turn your attention towards it. You don’t have to just breathe to enter into this space – maybe today you could stand up and shake out your legs and arms… wiggle your fingers and toes… cozy up in your favorite place in the house… drink some water, or a warm cup of tea.
Then, when you feel that you’ve settled in, give thanks to the Lord and invite him to speak to your heart.
Read John 8:31-36
(In this scripture, we are witnesses of a discussion and teaching that Jesus is having with crowds of really super zealous Jewish people)
‘So Jesus spoke to the Judaeans who had believed in him. ‘If you remain in my word,’ he said, ‘you really will be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.’
‘We are Abraham’s descendants!’ They replied. “We’ve never been anyone’s slaves! How can you say that “You’ll never become free”?’
‘I’m telling you the solemn truth,’ Jesus replied. ‘Everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. The slave doesn’t live in the house forever; the son lives there forever. So, you see, if the son makes you free, you will be truly free.’
Pause here and observe your body again. Are any feelings arising from reading this? Can you name the emotions? Name what you can, and then ask God to fill your awareness with his presence before continuing on.
Reflection:
In Jesus’ time, as the Jews were clamoring for social freedom from the Romans, he kept teaching that He (Emmanuel – God with us) was their path to true freedom. Jesus was taking the discussion of freedom deeper… and saying that He, Himself, was the truth… and knowing him… walking with him… would free them from captivity INSIDE and transform their reality. He, as the Light of the World, the Truth, and the Way, wanted then, and still wants to walk with humanity as its truest friend and companion.
Let’s wonder:
- I wonder what could be transformed around me and in my world if I remained in Jesus’ word?
- I wonder truly if I know what it feels like to walk with Jesus?
- How do I feel about the fact that Jesus said sin is slavery? Is there anything I feel enslaved by right now that I can sit with him and talk honestly about?
- I wonder if I believe in my heart that Jesus IS truth… What else inside is truth if he isn’t?
Below is a song used in protests against human violence for a very long time in our country – a chorus that rang out for freedom. (If you want to pause here and listen to it, that’s encouraged)
We shall overcome
The Lord will see us through
We’re on to victory
We’ll walk hand in hand
We are not afraid
The truth shall make us free
We shall live in peace
May we daily say yes to being Jesus’ disciple, be freed from our sin by his truth, and bring his light to our world. Lord may your kingdom come and your will be done.
Amen.